Palakkad: A rubber tapping worker was found dead near a forest-adjacent residential area in Edathunattukara, with initial reports pointing to a suspected wild elephant attack as the cause.

The deceased has been identified as Ummar Valparamban, aged 65, a resident of Kottappally. According to local sources, Ummar had gone out for work in the morning to a nearby rubber plantation but failed to return home. A search was launched after he remained untraceable.

Preliminary findings suggest fatal elephant blow

His body was later found near the forest stretch, close to the residential zone. Though the exact time of death remains undetermined, a preliminary assessment suggests he may have died due to a strong blow delivered by the elephant’s trunk.

An official confirmation is awaited, as authorities continue their investigation into the exact circumstances of the incident.