Wayanad, 26 May (H.S.): A woman was killed and her husband injured after a wild elephant attacked them while they were travelling on a scooter in Kerala’s Wayanad district on Tuesday morning, in yet another tragic incident highlighting the growing human-animal conflict in the region.

The deceased has been identified as Jessie, a resident of Puthumala in Meppadi. Her husband, Shaji, sustained injuries in the attack and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.

According to initial reports, the couple was on their way to work during the morning hours when the incident occurred on the Meppadi–Chooralmala main road. As they were travelling through the area on their scooter, a wild elephant reportedly emerged suddenly and attacked them, leaving both seriously injured.

People in the locality and passers-by rushed to the spot after hearing cries for help and immediately alerted emergency services. Jessie, who suffered severe injuries, was shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital for treatment. However, despite the efforts of doctors, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after being admitted.

Shaji also suffered injuries in the attack and is receiving medical care. His condition has not been officially disclosed.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the increasing movement of wild elephants into human settlements and public roads in Wayanad. Local residents have repeatedly demanded stronger preventive measures from authorities to reduce human-wildlife conflict and ensure the safety of people living in forest-border areas.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman