Tribal man killed in wild elephant attack in Keralam's Idukki

A 47-year-old tribal man was killed in a wild elephant attack near Panniyar in Idukki district in the early hours of Wednesday, forest officials said.

The deceased was identified as Vijayan, who was returning home when he encountered the elephant, the officials said.

The tusker involved in the attack was identified as 'Chakkakomban', a jumbo known to periodically venture into inhabited areas of the region and cause concern among local residents.

According to locals, Vijayan tried to flee after coming face-to-face with the elephant, but the animal chased him and killed him.

Following a protest by locals over the death, forest officials assured them that 'Chakkakomban' and two female wild elephants, which are also known to enter inhabited areas, would be relocated from the region.

Further details were awaited.