Stone attack by workers angers jumbo in Kovai kiln

A video of the incident, shot by one of the abusing men has gone viral in the social media. Confirming the incident to have occurred in suburban Coimbatore, forest department officials said that they are conducting a search to nab the men who had teased the pachyderm.

In the footage, a youth is seen hurling stones at the elephant. Another man, who is apparently recording the act on his mobile, is heard encouraging him to tease the animal repeatedly. 

Every time the elephant is hit with a stone or hurled with mud, it gets irritated and comes charging furiously by trumpeting. But its way is blocked by the low roofing of the building. However, the man is persistent and keeps repeating the act infuriating the jumbo.

Forest department staff said that elephants frequent numerous brick kiln chambers located near forest boundaries to feed on a fibre-like content found inside the palmyra trees, used as fire wood. These chambers are located in large numbers at Kanuvai, Chinna Thadagam, Veerapandi, Mangarai and the neighbouring areas. 

A senior forest department official said that a team has been deputed to hold an enquiry and trace the culprits, who had teased the wild elephant. 

“Youngsters out of curiosity also cross over the trenches to enter the forest cover to tease the elephants and take selfie with them. The public should restrain from involving in such acts as it may lead to man- animal conflicts,” said N Satheesh, Coimbatore District Forest Officer (DFO).

Warning of stringent action, including arrest, the DFO said that a special team will be constituted to take up patrolling on forest fringes to prevent wild elephants from being teased.