Wild elephant falls into well in Kothamangalam; rescue operations continue 

KOCHI: A wild elephant fell into a well at Kottappady in Kothamangalam. The elephant slipped into a private well around midnight. The forest department and the police reached the spot and started rescue operations.

The locals saw the elephant in the well when they came rushing after hearing a noise. They immediately informed the police and the forest department. The well is quite wide. Efforts are being taken to save the elephant by striking a part of it.

Wild animals are regularly seen in this area. Complaints were raised by the people in connection with it. A similar incident was reported in Kothamangalam a month ago. Even then, the elephant fell into the well of a private person. The elephant was rescued after hours of effort.

Meantime, ae elephant hit by a train in Palakkad has been shifted to a temporary shelter. The elephant was found injured on the back of its right leg. The elephant was transferred to a safety center for treatment as it was unable to stand up. The decision of the forest department is to release it in the forest after the injury is cured.

The elephant was injured while crossing the track near Malampuzha Kottekkad railway gate. It is believed that it may have fallen down while running. There were six elephants in the herd. The locals were the first to know about it. The forest department officials also reached the spot. The other elephants later went back to the forest.