Panic grips residents as wild tusker ventures into Mananthavady in Wayanad
Mananthavady: A wild elephant on Friday ventured into a heavily populated area in Mananthavady region in the Wayanad district.
The locals spotted elephants at Kaniyaram and Payodu localities situated nearly 3 km away from the Mananthavady town. The wild tusker, wearing a radio collar, is suspected to have crossed the border from Karnataka.
The elephant made its way to Kaniyaram around 3 a.m. Later, the Forest officials rushed to the spot and instructed the locals to exercise caution. The tusker was spotted near the residential colonies in the region.
After passing through the Payodukunnu area during the wee hours, the elephant swam across a river and reached a market area in Mananthavady. Before reaching the premise of a traffic police station in the region around 8 a.m., the wild tusker passed through Newman College, NGO quarters, Mini Civil Station, Court, Sub Treasury and the rest house of the Forest Department. The elephant has so far been non-violent. Attempts are being made to scare away the tusker by bursting crackers.
Meanwhile, District Collector Renu Raj has advised the public not to visit Mananthavady until the situation is under control.
The Tahsildar has requested that parents refrain from sending their children to school in Mananthavady region until further notice. Furthermore, the school authorities are directed to ensure the safety of the children who have already reached the schools today.