Kerala Journalist Killed In Wild Elephant Attack While Filming Report On Man-Animal Conflict In Palakkad

The wild elephant attack occurred while AV Mukesh was filming a herd of wild jumbo crossing the river in Kottekad, Palakkad.

Mukesh and his team were reporting on an alert regarding a herd of wild elephants spotted in the area. ( Image Source :Special arrangement )

AV Mukesh (34), a video journalist and a columnist from Palakkad, lost his life in a wild elephant attack in Kottekad, Palakkad on Wednesday. The incident occurred while he was filming a herd of wild elephants crossing the river. Mukesh is survived by his wife and parents.

According to ANI, a Palakkad-based video journalist, AV Mukesh died in a wild elephant attack in Kottekad, Palakkad. The incident happened when he filming a herd of wild elephants crossing the river. He was immediately rushed to Palakkad District Hospital but could not be saved.

Kerala: A Palakkad-based video journalist, AV Mukesh died in a wild elephant attack in Kottekad, Palakkad. The incident happened when he filming a herd of wild elephants crossing the river. He was immediately rushed to Palakkad District Hospital but could not be saved. pic.twitter.com/FRq5r4fdkF

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2024

 

According to the police, Mukesh and his team were on assignment in Kottekkad village, Palakkad district, early in the morning. They were reporting on an alert regarding a herd of wild elephants spotted in the area.

Sources indicate that wild elephants frequently encroach upon the human habitats of Kottekkad village causing damage to crops and instilling fear among the local populace.

Mukesh had previously worked with a TV channel in Delhi for several years before relocating to Palakkad last year. During his tenure, he wrote a column called 'Athijeevanam' on a news portal, focusing on narratives of survival from diverse backgrounds, particularly marginalized communities. Throughout his career, Mukesh authored 110 stories for the column, showcasing his dedication to highlighting the struggles and triumphs of individuals, according to a report on Mathrubhumi.

Kerala Chief Minister Vijayan and Opposition Leader VD Satheesan expressed their condolences over the death of Mukesh.