Tribal man killed in wild elephant attack in Idukki

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Vijayan (47), a resident in Panniyar, who was killed by a wild elephant attack on Wednesday morning. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A 47-year-old tribal man was killed in a wild elephant attack at Panthadikkalam near Chinnakkanal, under the Devikulam forest range in Idukki, on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) morning.

​The deceased has been identified as Vijayan, a resident of Panniyar in Santhanpara. According to forest department officials, the incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. while Vijayan was heading home from a work shed.

​Local natives stated that upon spotting the wild tusker, known locally as “Chakkakompan,” Vijayan attempted to flee, but the animal charged and trampled him to death.

​The Chinnakkanal area under the Devikulam forest range continues to be a hazard for residents due to escalating human-wildlife conflict. This marks the second fatal attack in the area within a single week, bringing the death toll from wild elephant attacks under the Devikulam range to four over the past four months.

​On the night of September 17, Shiv Kumar (30), a migrant labourer from Madhya Pradesh, was trampled to death by a wild elephant near Ayyanpara in Santhanpara. Earlier, on August 27, S. Ochappan (68), a farmer from Tamil Nadu, was killed at Thalakkulam near Pooppara. On June 8, Mari (36), a Chinnakkanal resident, was killed, and her 11-year-old son injured in another attack.

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