Youth trampled to death by wild elephant in Kothamangalam; body found on roadside

KOTHAMANGALAM: A youth was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Kuttampuzha near Kothamangalam in Ernakulam. The deceased has been identified as Knachary native Eldhose. The body of the youth was found lying on the roadside. Locals, police and forest department officials reached the spot after receiving the information. The body has been shifted to the hospital. Locals are protesting demanding fencing to be installed in the area, citing the increasing menace of wild animal attacks in the populated areas.

Eldhose was walking to his house after getting off a bus after work when the elephant attacked him. Another person, who was with Eldhose, narrowly escaped from the elephant. He was the one who soon informed the locals and the forest department about the incident. Eldhose's house is just one kilometre away from the incident site. According to reports, there were no street lights on the road.

The residents of the area have been demanding the installation of a fence for a long time. However, no action has been taken yet, prompting protests. The area, located in the Kuttampuzha panchayat, is home to around 60 families. Local representatives have arrived at the site.