Provoking wild elephants to take photos; Forest department registers case against youth

KELPATTA: Forest department has filed a case against the people who tried to provoke a herd of wild elephants and take photos of them in Wayanad. Three people stopped their vehicle on Sultan Bathery-Pulpally road and provoked the wild elephants. Forest department has directed the vehicle owner to appear regarding the incident. The elephants were grazing in the grass next to the road. That's when the resident of Ernakulam stopped the vehicle and tried to take a photo of the wild elephant.

They provoked the elephant and made noise, after which an elephant rushed towards them. Those who came after this group captured these visuals and sent them to the Kurichyad range officer. At present, the charges of trespassing in the forest and disturbing wild animals have been charged against them.

The incident took place in an area that is part of the wildlife sanctuary. Therefore, the incident can be considered equal to hunting, the forest department authorities clarified. Further action will be taken after the vehicle owner appears.