Man Killed, 2 Others Injured In Wild Elephant Attack At Kerala's Munnar

The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and Opposition Congress members are staging a protest seeking a permanent solution to the increasing man-animal conflict.

The incident on Monday night follows the recent deaths of two other persons in separate attacks by wild elephants in Wayanad. 

Source : Pixabay

Amid incidents of man-animal conflict in Kerala, a man was killed in an attack by a stray wild elephant in Kannimala estate near Munnar of Idukki district. The incident on Monday night follows the recent deaths of two other persons in separate attacks by wild elephants in Wayanad. 

Police have identified the deceased as 44-year-old Suresh Kumar, also known as Mani, an autorickshaw driver from Kannimala Top Division. According to authorities, passengers including a woman and her school-going daughter narrowly escaped when the vehicle was attacked and overturned by an elephant.

On Monday, Suresh Kumar was transporting a local family, including Rajeena, her husband, and daughter, back home after attending the annual day celebration at the girl's school. Two migrant laborers were also present in the vehicle at the time.

Rajeena, still in shock, recalled the terrifying moment when the elephant, standing on the road, suddenly attacked the autorickshaw, causing it to overturn. She recounted how they became trapped beneath the vehicle, and the driver was fatally injured when he tried to exit it during the attack by the animal, according to a report on PTI.

Talking to a media, she said, "The elephant took him by the trunk and tossed him three times. We were rescued by some persons who were passing that way in a jeep. They helped us come out of the toppled vehicle after the elephant had moved away."

According to a senior police officer, the critically injured man tragically passed away before reaching a nearby hospital. He further stated that the other passengers, who sustained minor injuries during the incident, were receiving treatment at the hospital and were in the process of recovery.

Meanwhile, the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and Opposition Congress members are staging a protest seeking a permanent solution to the increasing conflict.