Plantation worker killed in wild elephant attack in Chinnakkanal

IDUKKI: Yet another person was killed in a wild elephant attack in the Chinnakanal region. Panniyar native Joseph Veluchamy (50) died after being attacked by a wild elephant at a cardamom plantation in Chundal. The incident occurred at around 12 noon on Monday. Joseph was working in the plantation when the wild elephant attacked him.

According to reports, a herd of about 8 elephants, including the one that attacked Joseph, is still roaming in the area, preventing authorities from retrieving the body from the spot.

Locals are living in fear as the elephant herd continues to stay near human settlements. Locals are staging strong protests, accusing the Forest Department and the Rapid Response Team (RRT) of serious lapses in preventing wildlife attacks and failing to act quickly during emergencies.

Despite a steady rise in wild animal attacks in the region, locals allege that authorities have not taken effective action. As protests intensified, police and forest officials reached the area, and efforts are underway to retrieve the body. Additional forest guards have been deployed to bring the situation under control. According to available data, more than 40 people have been killed in elephant attacks in the Chinnakkanal, Sinkukandam, and Anayirankal areas under the Munnar Wildlife Division.