Wild Elephants Trample Farmer To Death In Chittoor; Villagers Seek Justice
Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan offered condolences to the family of the deceased: Reports
TIRUPATI: Wild elephants trampled a 55-year-old farmer to death at Kothuru village in Somala mandal of Chittoor district during the late hours of Saturday, triggering panic in nearby areas and sparking a protest by villagers.
The deceased, identified as Ramakrishna Raju, had been on a night vigil in his field when a herd of elephants strayed from a nearby forest and attacked him. Sources said the sudden charge by the pachyderms left no avenue for the farmer to escape, resulting in his immediate death.
According to locals, the herd comprising over 16 elephants had first been spotted near a local water body three days ago. Since then, the elephants have been raiding standing crops in the surrounding villages, particularly after dusk. Villagers alleged that despite informing the Forest department several times, it took no action.
In the aftermath of the farmer’s death, villagers staged a protest along with his body. They held the Forest department responsible for the death. They said action must be taken against those who have been negligent.
Later, forest officials of Chittoor district arrived at the spot and conducted an inquiry. Villagers continued their protest overnight, insisting that the body would not be sent for post-mortem until officials responded with a concrete plan to address the elephant menace.
Villagers withdrew their protest after senior forest officials intervened and assured necessary action and support. Police registered a case and shifted Ramakrishna Raju’s body to the area hospital in Somala for post-mortem.
Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan offered condolences to the family of the deceased. He announced ex-gratia for the family and directed forest officials to implement effective measures to prevent incidents involving wild elephants.