Wild elephant triggers panic at Ayyankunnu in Kerala’s Kannur

Panic prevailed in parts of Ayyankunnu grama panchayat in Kannur, Kerala, after a wild elephant strayed into residential areas, prompting the Forest department to resume operations to drive it back into the forests on Monday morning. Prohibitory orders have been imposed in four wards to prevent public movement and gatherings.

The elephant was first spotted around 5 a.m. on Sunday near the Angadikadavu school and it later stationed on a rubber plantation. Though it reportedly came from the Parakkamalai forest area, the elephant did not retreat till late night, causing widespread fear among residents.

Forest officials, rapid response team (RRT) members, and the police reached the area and kept the elephant under surveillance. Residents were instructed to remain indoors and warnings were issued through loudspeakers across Ayyankunnu. The police and forest personnel were deployed at likely elephant corridors.

Jumbo turns aggressive

The team began efforts to chase the elephant away around 3.30 p.m. on Sunday. However, the operations became difficult as the animal turned aggressive while attempting to cross the road near the foothills of Inthumkari, a densely populated area adjoining the forest.

During its movement, the elephant destroyed the sheds of two houses and a machine shed.

Authorities called off the chase by 6.30 p.m. due to poor lighting, unfamiliar hilly terrain, and safety concerns. Officials said attempts were further hampered as people gathered in groups and made noise, forcing the elephant to retreat twice while trying to cross the road.

As part of measures to safely drive the elephant back into the forests, District Collector Arun K. Vijayan has imposed a ban on public gatherings in Ward 6, 7, 9, and 11 of Ayyankunnu from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday. Forest officials appealed to the public to cooperate with the restrictions to avoid risks.