Tribal youth killed, another hurt in elephant attacks in The Nilgiris

Twenty-six-year old Vijayan, a labourer, was returning home after purchasing household items from Bitherkad bazaar on Saturday night, when he came under attack.

“While going near Pennai Government Primary School, a wild elephant emerged from the dark and attacked Vijayan ferociously. He succumbed to injuries on the spot, while the elephant left the scene,” said a Forest Department staffer.

In a short while, a group of villagers came that way at Pennai vanam. They were shocked to see Vijayan lying dead. On receiving information, Pennai Forest Range Officer Suresh Kumar, Ambalamoola station inspector (in-charge) Anandavelu and others rushed to the spot.

The body of the deceased was retrieved and sent for a post-mortem at Gudalur Government Hospital. Following the post-mortem, it was handed over to his relatives around 11am on Sunday.

The tribal villagers, who had gathered at the hospital, said that they should be given alternative land away from the conflict area and facilitate them to settle down there without any fear.

Meanwhile, in another incident, Vasantha Kumar (60) from Gandhi Nagar in ‘O’ Valley Town Panchayat, was going to attend Bokkapuram temple festival, when an elephant came his way and attacked him around 10 pm on Saturday.

On hearing his loud screams, the villagers rushed to the spot and chased away the elephant. The elderly man was taken to Masinagudi Primary Health Centre and then to Ooty Government Hospital for treatment. Following demands from villagers, the Forest Department has intensified patrol to prevent elephant intrusion in the area.