Zoo elephant Andal 
Tamil Nadu

Zoo elephant Andal turns violent, kills mahout

Elephant Andal at Kurumbapatti Zoological Park in Salem trampled its mahout to death on Monday. Forest veterinarian Prakash was examining the animal as part of a routine health checkup around 5 pm, when Andal suddenly turned aggressive and lifted its mahout Kaliappan, 45, from Pollachi and flung him to the ground.

migrator

Coimbatore

It also trampled him to death. Andal was chained in its hind limbs. The scared veterinary doctor Prakash and the jumbo’s another mahout Palani moved away. On receiving information, the forest department staff arrived and the elephant was given a sedation shot.


The body of the mahout, which lay near the elephant, was then recovered and sent for post mortem at Salem Government Hospital. The deceased mahout is survived by his wife, three sons and a daughter.

Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!

Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!

Click here for iOS

Click here for Android

2026 TN elections | CM Stalin betrays Kanimozhi to elevate Sabareesan, alleges TVK’s Aadhav Arjuna

2026 TN elections | Ramadoss faction Vikravandi candidate joins Anbumani-led PMK

Air India suspends flights to Israel till May 31

2026 TN elections | TVK's Sriperumbudur candidate booked for impromptu roadshow

IPL 2026: CSK opt to bowl against RCB