Young man dies in wild elephant attack near Kotagiri

A young man identified as Praveen died after a wild elephant attack on the Kookalthorai–Kambattikombai road near Kotagiri. Multiple reports confirm that the incident occurred on October 10.

Praveen, from Coimbatore district, had travelled to visit his grandmother in Indira Nagar near Kotagiri. Independent reports say the elephant attacked him while he was walking on the Kookalthorai–Kambattikombai road.

Forest and police inquiry

• Forest Department personnel and police reached the location after residents alerted them.
• The body was taken to Kotagiri Government Hospital for post-mortem examination.
• The New Indian Express, quoting a Kattabettu Forest Range official, said the incident occurred on a panchayat road close to the forest area.

Reports differ on Praveen’s age, giving either 28 or 35, and on whether the attack happened on Friday evening or early Saturday. With no written official confirmation available, MyNilgiris is not presenting the exact age or time as settled fact.

Residents have sought increased monitoring in forest-border villages, particularly from evening to early morning when elephant movement can pose a risk.