Wild Elephant Padayappa Continues Vehicle Attacks in Munnar, Residents on High Alert

Idukki: Wild elephant known as Padayappa carried out another attack in Idukki’s Munnar region. The incident occurred last night near Kadalar Estate West Division. A man named Karupp Swamy narrowly escaped the attack after the elephant damaged his auto-rickshaw.

The previous day, the elephant had attacked a tourist car and a bus. This marks the third consecutive day of vehicle attacks in Munnar. Earlier, Padayappa had not shown such aggressive behavior, but over the past two days, it has repeatedly targeted vehicles.

Local residents are worried about the continuous attacks. Forest officials have advised people traveling along the Munnar–Marayur route to remain cautious, especially at night. Authorities have stressed that extra care should be taken during nighttime travel.

Padayappa had also attacked on December 21 in Mattupetti, where it destroyed several shops and ate vegetables.