Erode

The census commenced on Thursday in 10 forest divisions in the STR and in Bhavanisagar range.

“ When forest officials, along with voluntary agency representatives, were engaged in census work, the elephant emerged from a bush and attacked them.

A forest guard and a representative of the voluntary organisation were killed while another forest guard was injured in the attack, officials said. A report was submitted to the STR authorities and the Forest Department following which a decision was taken to stop the census for now. The STR authorities instructed the enumerators to enter forest areas with safety measures and weapons.