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Elephant Chase Leaves Tea Vendor Critically Injured Near Velliangiri Foothills

SimpliCity News Team · 09 May 2026

Coimbatore: A tea vendor sustained critical injuries after being chased by a wild elephant near the Velliangiri foothills in the early hours of today. The incident occurred around dawn when Arusamy, who runs a tea business at the foothills, was travelling on his two-wheeler near Mullangadu Check Post.

According to initial reports, the elephant suddenly appeared and began chasing Arusamy while he was riding his two-wheeler. In a desperate attempt to escape, he lost control of his vehicle and fell, sustaining severe injuries. Local residents who witnessed the incident immediately rushed to his aid and transported him to a nearby hospital.

Arusamy is currently undergoing medical treatment at the hospital, and his condition is being closely monitored by doctors. The extent of his injuries has not been officially disclosed, but sources indicate that he suffered multiple fractures and bruises from the fall.

Forest Department officials have launched an investigation into the incident and are monitoring elephant movement in the area. They have deployed additional personnel to track the elephant's movements and ensure public safety. The department is also reviewing whether the elephant had wandered from its usual habitat due to food scarcity or other environmental factors.

In light of this incident, forest officials have issued a warning to the public, particularly those travelling through the Velliangiri foothills area during early morning and late evening hours. Residents and commuters have been advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid travelling alone through forested areas. Officials also recommend making noise while travelling to alert wildlife of human presence, as this can help prevent sudden encounters.

This incident highlights the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region, where increasing urbanization has led to overlapping territories. Local residents have expressed concern about the frequency of elephant sightings near residential areas and have requested the Forest Department to implement more effective measures to prevent such dangerous encounters in the future.

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Elephant Chase Leaves Tea Vendor Critically Injured Near Velliangiri Foothills

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