The worker, identified as Muniyandi, was standing outside his plantation quarters when two wild elephants suddenly charged at him
| Photo Credit: special arrangement
A man had a narrow escape after two wild elephants charged at him in Munnar on Friday (September 4, 2026).
According to local residents, the incident occurred at the Lower Division of the Kannimala estate, under Kanan Devan Hills Plantations (KDHP). The worker, identified as Muniyandi, was standing outside his plantation quarters (layam) when two wild elephants suddenly charged at him. Muniyandi fled immediately, managing to escape unhurt. Residents reported that the herd entered the residential area around early Friday morning.
Elephant sightings are frequent across the Munnar hill tracts, where recurring human-wildlife conflict continues to stoke fear among labourers. Workers stated that persistent elephant presence has made them afraid to step outdoors or report to work in the tea estates.
Munnar Range Officer S. Biju said that upon receiving the information, the forest department’s rapid response team (RRT) rushed to the spot and chased the elephants back into the forest. “The RRT members are monitoring the movements of the wild elephants in the area,” said the official.
Published – September 04, 2026 07:01 pm IST
