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Tourists in Idukki provoke wild tusker for photographs
The Hindu··28 Aug
Three tourists from Tiruchirappalli provoked a wild tusker near Kanthalloor in Idukki while photographing it. A video of the charge spread online. Forest Range Officer Anandan said an inquiry has begun and no casualties were reported. No case is registered yet. Officials handed Rs 5 lakh initial compensation to the family of S. Ochappan, killed by an elephant near Pooppara.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Visitors to Kanthalloor risk a charging tusker if they shout at elephants for photos on public roads.
- Families of people killed in elephant attacks in the Devikulam range can receive staged Forest and Revenue compensation after paperwork.
- Resorts near Sivanpanthi may see closer forest inquiry after the viral video of the three youths.
What's Happening
- The video shows the youths on a narrow road as the tusker roamed a nearby farm, then charged after provocation.
- Anandan said the tourists were staying at a nearby resort and fled without injury.
- Ochappan's body was cremated at Bodinayakanur after post-mortem, with the cheque handed to his wife Vijaya.
What compensation rules add here
- Officials said an additional Rs 5 lakh from the Forest department and Rs 4 lakh from Revenue will follow once documents are filed.
- Ochappan was attacked around 9:00 am Thursday while working at a cardamom plantation at Thalakkulam.
- Kanthalloor officials said wild elephants are common in that range and warned against close photography.
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