Save jumbo injured in fight, appeal villagers

Villagers were moved by the pitiable sight of the injured elephant and had informed the forest department about the incident and asked them to treat the injured wild elephants.

The villagers believe that the two elephants had intruded into the farms located near Vanabathrakali Amman temple in Mettupalayam on Sunday night and had went on a rampage while damaging the plantains.

The two elephants reportedly had a fight which resulted in one of them sustaining deep wounds. It was also profusely bleeding.

After the fight, one of the elephants retreated into the jungle, while the other with injuries turned aggressive due to the pain caused by the wounds he suffered during the fight. It moved around aimlessly and kept trumpeting in agony.

The villagers had spotted blood oozing out of the injured elephant’s body and its stains on the ground and on coconut trees.

Fearing that the wounds could be bigger in nature, the farm owners and villagers sought the forest department to treat the injured animal in order to save its life.

“As the animal looked aggressive, it could also lead to conflicts if it was not calmed down. The elephant was to be treated immediately and driven back deep into the forests,” said S Murugesan, a farmer.

The villagers also alleged that forest department staff were yet to reach the spot even several hours after they were informed.