An 80-year-old VB-G RAM G worker was killed by a wild elephant at Piravanthur on Monday. The victim has been identified as Rajamma, resident of Kadasseri.

The incident took place on Monday morning when Rajamma, after signing in for her work, was walking to the work site. According to eyewitnesses, a wild elephant that emerged from the nearby forest suddenly grabbed her with its trunk and hurled her to the ground.

Residents’ complaint

Local people alleged that although her companions immediately informed the Forest department office, no officials arrived at the scene. Though local residents rushed Rajamma to the hospital, doctors pronounced her dead upon arrival.

Following the tragedy, enraged local people gathered at the Kadasseri forest station to stage a strong protest, following which high-level discussions were held involving Jyothikumar Chamakkala, MLA; district panchayat member Vishnu Bhagat; Piravanthur grama panchayat president; and senior officials, including the Divisional Forest Officer.

The authorities arrived at a consensus during the talks to expedite operations to drive the wild elephant back into the forest. It was also decided to immediately deploy two Rapid Response Teams (RRT) to Kadasseri to ensure public safety.