Kannur (Kerala) [India], March 6 (HBTV): A seriously injured wild elephant that strayed into a residential area in Karikkottakary, Kerala’s Kannur district, was tranquilised for treatment on Wednesday.

A veterinary team from the Forest Department, led by Dr Ajesh Mohandas, administered the tranquiliser after assessing the elephant's condition.

The elephant, which has a broken jaw and is unable to eat or drink, will receive urgent medical care.

Earlier, the District Collector had imposed a prohibitory order in three wards of Ayyankunnu Grama Panchayat after the elephant was sighted in residential areas. The restrictions, enforced from 10 a.m. on March 5 to 6 p.m. on March 6, were aimed at preventing public gatherings and ensuring safety. Violators were warned of action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Human-wildlife conflict remains a growing concern in parts of Kannur district.

On February 24, a wild elephant attack claimed the lives of an elderly tribal couple at Aralam Farm in the district. The deceased, identified as Velli, 80, and his wife Leela, 70, were attacked while collecting cashew nuts near the Rapid Response Team office at Karikmukku. The attack occurred just 600 metres from the Rapid Response Team office, sparking protests from local residents.

Following the incident, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting on February 27 to address the increasing human-wildlife conflict in the state. Ministers from various departments, including Forest, Finance, and Revenue, along with top officials from the Forest and Wildlife Department, state police, and Disaster Management Authority, attended the meeting.

The district administration announced a compensation of INR 20 lakh for the couple's family.

(ANI)