KANNUR: A wild elephant which strayed into the Ulikkal town in Kannur district has caused a huge panic.The wild elephant reached the place last night. Three people were injured when they tried to run after seeing the elephant. Following this, the Mattara -Vallithode road was closed by the authorities. Furthermore, a holiday was announced for educational institutions in Vayathur village. The district administration has advised the locals to exercise caution. Shops in the town were also ordered to be closed.

The wild elephant is now at the back of the market near Ulikkal town. This place is ten kilometres away from the forest border. Therefore, it is a challenge to drive the elephant into the forest. Forest department officials have reached the spot and are trying to drive away the elephant.

Locals say that this is the first time a wild elephant has entered the area. It is concluded that the elephant may have come down from the forests of Karnataka. Even though the elephant has not yet shown any signs of aggressive behaviour, the authorities are taking steps to evacuate people from the place. The locals demand that the wild elephant should be drugged or driven into the forest immediately.

Early this morning, the elephant was spotted in a cashew plantation near Krishi Bhavan. Later the elephant made its way into the market. Three rounds of firecrackers were now fired to drive off the wild elephant.