A dairy injured in a wild elephant attack in Kerala’s Wayanad

image to represent | Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT

A dairy farmer was injured after being attacked by a wild elephant near Sultan Bathery in Kerala’s Wayanad district on Thursday, forest officials said.

The injured was identified as Sasi (55), a resident of Pazheri near Sultan Bathera.

According to forest officials, Mr. Sasi was on his way to the company to collect milk on Thursday when the incident took place.

He was walking behind a group of people, holding an umbrella, when a wild slide came out from behind and attacked him.

The impact of the attack threw Mr. Sasi into a roadside ditch. The elephant then tried to impale him with its tusks, officials said. Fortunately, a dog approached the elephant and distracted him.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Mr. Sasi managed to reach a narrow bridge that the elephant could not cross.

Locals rushed to the spot and shifted him to the Sultan Bathery Government Hospital. Foresters said his condition is stable.

Officials have launched efforts to track down the elephant and drive it back into the forest.

The forest department said the attack took place in an area where wild animals are often sighted.

Published – 02 Jul 2026 12:13 IST