Kannur (Kerala): A prohibitory order preventing public gatherings was issued in three wards of Ayyankunnu Grama Panchayat by the District Collector after a wild elephant was sighted in residential areas of the village.

The restrictions were imposed in wards 8, 9 and 10 from 10 am on March 5 to 6 pm on March 6, considering the potential threat to the lives of the public. The order directed that people should not gather in groups in these areas during the specified period.

The Collector also warned that those violating the prohibitory order would face action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Meanwhile, visuals aired by TV channels showed forest officials attempting to drive the elephant back into the forest.

The region has been on high alert following the death of an elderly couple in an elephant attack at Aralam Farms in the district on February 23.
PTI