Old Man Killed After Wild Elephant Attack in Pennagaram Area
Old Man Killed in a shocking incident near Pennagaram has once again brought attention to the growing danger faced by farmers living close to forest areas in Tamil Nadu. A 68-year-old farmer lost his life after being attacked by wild elephants while guarding his farmland during the early hours of Sunday. The incident occurred in Dharmapuri district, an area that has witnessed repeated movement of elephants in recent months.
The victim, identified as M Maharajan, was a resident of Kullathirampatti village, located close to the Bevanur Reserved Forest under the Pennagaram Forest Range. Like many farmers in the region, he regularly stayed overnight in his fields to protect crops from wild animals. On Sunday morning, his relatives found him lying dead on his farmland with severe head injuries, indicating that he was trampled by an elephant.
Officials later confirmed that the injuries were consistent with a wild elephant attack. The sudden death has left the family in shock and has triggered fear among nearby villagers who depend on farming for their livelihood.
Old Man Killed as Elephants Stray Into Farmland
Forest department officials stated that two adult male elephants had entered the agricultural land during the night in search of food. The farmland where the incident occurred directly borders the forest, making it vulnerable to such encounters. According to officials, the elephants attacked Maharajan when he came across them unexpectedly in the dark, leading to his death on the spot.
Soon after the incident was reported, forest officials and police personnel from nearby stations arrived at the location to assess the situation and ensure safety in the surrounding areas. The body was later moved to the Pennagaram Government Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Forest authorities reiterated that villagers living near forest boundaries have been repeatedly warned against stepping out at night or in the early morning hours, especially when elephant movement is reported. Despite these warnings, many farmers continue to guard their fields due to fear of crop loss, often putting their lives at risk.
Residents of nearby villages expressed concern, stating that crop damage has increased in recent years and that wild elephants frequently enter farmlands. Farmers say that staying indoors at night is not always an option when crops are their only source of income.
Old Man Killed Incident Brings Focus on Compensation and Prevention
Following the incident, district forest officials handed over interim financial assistance to the family of the deceased. An initial compensation amount was provided immediately, with the remaining amount to be released after the required formalities are completed. Officials stated that compensation is being processed as per government norms for deaths caused by wild animals.
While compensation offers some relief, villagers argue that it does not address the root cause of the problem. Many are demanding stronger preventive measures, such as better fencing, early warning systems, and regular patrols near forest borders. Some also called for community awareness programs to educate residents on safer practices during high-risk hours. Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan to Return Brings 1 Unexpected Twist to the Don Franchise
Experts note that human–wildlife conflict has been increasing due to shrinking forest areas and expanding agricultural land. As elephants follow traditional migration routes, clashes become unavoidable when farmlands lie in their path. Without long-term solutions, similar incidents are likely to continue.
Conclusion
The Old Man Killed in Pennagaram is not just an isolated tragedy but a reminder of the fragile balance between human life and wildlife. Until safety measures improve and support systems strengthen, farmers living near forest boundaries will continue to face life-threatening risks.
