Thrissur, 30 May (H.S.):

A 65-year-old man was killed in a tragic wild elephant attack in Athirappilly's Vaisheri area in Kerala's Thrissur district during the early hours of Saturday, highlighting the growing human-wildlife conflict in the region.

The deceased was identified as Mohanan (65), a resident of Pullerkad near Athirappilly. According to local residents, the incident occurred around 2.45 a.m. when a wild elephant entered the vicinity of his house.

Mohanan reportedly came out of his home after hearing the cries and commotion of neighbours who had spotted the elephant near the residential area. He stepped into the courtyard to assess the situation and locate the animal. However, due to the darkness, he was unable to see the elephant, which suddenly charged towards him.

Witnesses said the elephant ran directly at Mohanan and attacked him before trampling him. Residents could not immediately approach him as the animal remained in the area for some time. Only after the elephant moved away were local people able to rescue the injured man and rush him to the Chalakudy Taluk Hospital. He was later shifted to a private hospital in Chalakudy for advanced treatment.

Despite the efforts of doctors, Mohanan succumbed to his injuries.

The Vaisheri-Pullerkad region has long been plagued by frequent wild elephant incursions. Local residents said the same elephant had entered Mohanan's property just days earlier and caused extensive damage to agricultural crops. Villagers have repeatedly raised concerns about the increasing presence of elephants in human settlements, particularly during the night.

Residents allege that wild elephant sightings have become a regular occurrence in the area, posing a serious threat to life and property. According to local reports, Mohanan's death is the sixth fatality linked to wild elephant attacks in the region within the past year, intensifying demands for stronger measures to prevent further human-wildlife conflicts.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman