Wild elephant tramples two more tribals to death at Athirappilly in Kerala 

(Image for representation) Photo credit: Jomon Pampavalley

In the continuous conflict of human life in the Forest Strips in the Kerala District, two more tribal people were killed in an attack of wild elephant near the cascades of Ahirappilly on Monday (April 14, 2025) at night. The incident occurred in Vanchikkadavu under the forest division of Vazhal, marking the third fatal attack in just 48 hours in the area.

The victims, Sathesh and Ambika of the Tribal village of Sasthampoam, were in the forest to collect a tradition of wild honey, an age tradition for the tribes of the season. They were bathed by two relationships when the tragedy hit. It is common for tribal people to remain in temporary huts for days in the forest to collect forests, according to forest officials. When the elephant charged, the group fled in panic. While two managed to escape, Satesh and Ambika were victims.

“They had been camping in the area to collect honey during the last three days. The two bodies have been recovered. Ambika’s body was found from the river, under the cataracts,” according to the statement of the Forest Department.

It is also suspended that they could have jumped into the river in a desperate attempt to escape the elephant attack and drown. “A post Mortem exam will confirm the exact cause of deaths,” forest officials said.

This incident follows the fatal attack on Sunday night that claimed the life of Sebastian, 20, from the Adichilthotty tribal village. He had also ventured in the forest near Malakkela, under the Malayattoor division, to collect honey when he was killed by a wild elephant.

Rogue elephant

Local people believe that the dishonest elephant, known locally as malejakomban, is responsible for the attack. The elephant is suspended to be in a state of musty.

The death series has caused outrage in the local community.

The Congress Party has announced a protest in front of the Forestry Office, demanding urgent intervention, compensation and sustainable alternative hoods for tribal communities that depend on forest resources for survival.