Date:02/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/02/stories/2008100255210600.htm

Tamil Nadu

Man killed by elephant

Special Correspondent

Udhagamandalam: A man was killed by an elephant near here on Monday.

According to forest officials, a herd of elephants comprising of three adults and a calf had been seen near Manjacombai for the past two days.

Muthusami alias Selvaraj (52) of Dickland near Manjacombai was returning home along a beaten path when one of the elephants attacked him.

He was killed on the spot. The herd later moved into the forest.

Forest officials removed the body of Selvaraj and informed the police.

The District Forest Officer Mita Banerjee said that the movement of elephants in that area was a rare occurrence.

A sum of Rs. one lakh would be given to the relatives of the victim, she said.

She added that Rs. 25,000 was already given.

Vigilance has been stepped up and patrolling intensified after the incident.