Three Devotees En Route To Andhra Temple Killed In Elephant Attack

In response to the elephant attack incident, Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan announced financial aid for the victims’ families.

The Seshachalam forest, known for its rich biodiversity, is home to a significant population of wild elephants and a few tigers.

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Three devotees lost their lives and several others suffered injuries after a herd of wild elephants attacked them in Seshachalam forest on Tuesday morning. The group was on its way to Talakona temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Annamayya district to participate in Mahashivratri celebrations when the tragedy occurred around 5:30 AM.

According to officials, as per a report in The Hindustan Times, the victims hailed from Urlagaddapadu village in the Railway Koduru Mandal. Witnesses reported that the pilgrims were walking through the forest when they encountered the elephants. Panic ensued as the devotees attempted to flee, but the elephants charged, trampling several individuals. Five people died on the spot, while others sustained serious injuries.

Local authorities, including police and forest department personnel, quickly arrived at the scene to initiate rescue operations and provide assistance to the injured. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

In response to the incident, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan announced financial aid for the victims’ families. The families of the deceased will receive Rs 10 lakh each as ex gratia, while those injured will be provided Rs 5 lakh each to support their recovery, as per a report on Telangana Today.

The Seshachalam forest, known for its rich biodiversity, is home to a significant population of wild elephants and a few tigers.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh has been grappling with a surge in man-elephant conflicts in recent months, particularly in Rayalaseema region, which borders Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. This area has seen an increase in the movement of wild elephants, with herds frequently crossing into the forests of Chittoor and Tirupati. Last month, two herds totaling 35 elephants entered the Seshachalam forests from neighbouring states, intensifying competition for food, water, and territorial dominance. This has led to heightened tensions and destruction in nearby villages.