(image for representation)
| Photo Credit: JOMON PAMPAVALLEY
In continuing human-wildlife conflict in the forest fringes in Thrissur district of Kerala, two more tribal persons were killed in a wild elephant attack near the Athirappilly waterfalls on Monday (April 14, 2025) night. The incident occurred at Vanchikkadavu under the Vazhachal forest division, marking the third such fatal attack within just 48 hours in the area.
The victims, Satheesh and Ambika from the Sasthampooam tribal hamlet, were in the forest to collect wild honey — an age-old tradition for the tribals during the season. They were accompanied by two relatives when the tragedy struck. It is usual for the tribal people to stay in temporary huts for days in the forest to collect forest produces, according to forest officials. As the elephant charged, the group fled in panic. While two managed to escape, Satheesh and Ambika fell victims.
“They had been camping in the area to collect honey for the last three days. The two bodies have been recovered. Ambika’s body was found from the river, under the falls,” according to the statement by the Forest department.
It is also suspected that they might have jumped into the river in a desperate attempt to escape from the elephant attack and drowned. “A post-mortem examination will confirm the exact cause of the deaths,” said forest officials.
This incident follows the fatal attack on Sunday evening that claimed the life of 20-year-old Sebastian from the Adichilthotty tribal hamlet. He too had ventured into the forest near Malakkappara, under the Malayattoor division, to collect honey when he was killed by a wild elephant.
Rogue elephant
Local people believe the rogue elephant, known locally as Manjakomban, is responsible for the attack. The elephant is suspected to be in a state of musth.
The spate of deaths has triggered outrage in the local community.
The Congress party has announced a protest in front of the forest office, demanding urgent intervention, compensation, and sustainable alternative livelihoods for tribal communities who depend on forest resources for survival.
Published – April 15, 2025 10:42 am IST
