65-Year-Old Farmer Tragically Killed by Rampaging Wild Elephant, Sparking Protests from Fearful Locals Following Series of Fatal Incidents

A FARMER has tragically died after attempting to chase a wild elephant away from his home.

Pullerkatt Mohanan, 65, lost his life when the jungle giant turned on him in the early hours of Saturday morning after his neighbours raised the alarm.

Pullerkatt Mohanan, 65, tragically died after being trampled by an elephant Credit: Supplied The farmer had been trying to scare the elephant away from his property before it charged at him Credit: AP

Locals sayhad been at the property the night before, damaging the family’s crops.

After attempting to drive the animal away from his home in Vaysery, Athirappilly, Kerala, it suddenly around 2.40am.

Mohanan was left critically injured in the clash.

In the aftermath, he was rushed to Chalakudy Taluk Hospital and then to a private facility.

But despite doctors’ best efforts, he was unable to be saved.

Forest officials confirmed that Mohanan, his brother Rathessh and another relative had tried to ward off the elephant in the moments prior to the attack.

The elephant retreated into the jungle following the horrific ordeal.

Patrol teams have since been deployed to ensure the creature does not return.

Mohanan’s death marks the in the Athirappilly region this year.

Just days ago, a 62-year-old man was killed in a similar incident nearby.

Locals say they live in constant fear of elephants.

They say the beasts damage their crops and property when they enter residential areas.

Authorities have promised immediate financial assistance to Mohanan’s family.

But residents have accused the government of failing to deliver support or solutions despite repeated assurances of stronger protection measures.

Athirappilly is known for its forests and waterfalls and has long faced clashes between humans and wildlife.

Experts say shrinking forest cover and farming near reserve boundaries have a major influence on the increasing numbers of elephants straying into residential areas.

Claiming the government had been negligent, villagers organised a massive protest in Athirappilly for Saturday and announced they will block the Chalakudy-Anamalai interstate highway.