Kochi: A wild elephant fell into a household well in Kottappady, Ernakulam, during the night, triggering concern and protest among local residents. The incident occurred in the courtyard of a house owned by Varghese, a resident of Vadakkumbhagam.

The elephant, estimated to be around 10 years old, accidentally slipped and fell into the well, which is the family’s primary source of drinking water.

Kottappady is among the worst-affected areas in the district when it comes to human-elephant conflict. Similar incidents have been reported multiple times in the region, with this being the second such case in the past six months.

Local residents staged a protest, demanding swift intervention. They called on elected representatives to visit the site and urged authorities to provide adequate compensation and to restore the well to its original condition.

In response, forest officials arrived at the scene and assured the affected family of financial assistance amounting to ₹1 lakh.