Wild elephant attack in Athirappilly; two youths injured, one in critical condition

CHALAKKUDI: Two men were injured, one critically, following a wild elephant attack in Vaisery, Athirappilly. The victims have been identified as Dheeraj (23), son of Valsan, a resident of Chalakkudi Housing Board, and Ashin Anto (21), a resident of Trikkukkaran House in Kuttichira.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:30 PM on Monday. The duo, accompanied by two friends, Sanju Krishna and Sreemon, had travelled to Vaisery to inspect a site for a proposed poultry farm on behalf of a friend based in Bengaluru.

According to reports, the group had parked their motorcycles on a rocky outcrop and were walking toward the farm when a young tusker emerged from the forest and charged at them. While the group attempted to flee, the elephant pursued and attacked Dheeraj and Ashin.

Dheeraj, who sustained severe internal bleeding in his abdomen, has been admitted to Apollo Adlux Hospital in Angamaly, where his condition is reported to be critical. Following the attack, Sreemon and Sanju managed to escape and contacted a local acquaintance named Keeros. He arrived at the scene in a car and transported the injured youths to the hospital.