Second time unlucky: Man escapes bear attack, killed by elephant

A 73-year-old farmer in the Nilgiris who had survived a bear attack a few years ago, however, fell victim to an elephant attack in the district on Wednesday, sources said.

Balan (73), a native of Kandipatti near Kotagiri in the Nilgiris, was attacked by bears nearly two years ago. Though sustaining serious injuries, the elderly man recovered after medication. However, the farmer succumbed to injuries in the recent wild elephant attack near a coffee estate in the locality.

According to sources, Balan, who owns a tea estate nearby his residence, on Tuesday afternoon, brought his cattle back after letting them graze. He then headed to the estate again after informing his family. As Balan did not return home even after a long time, his family went searching for him.

Meanwhile, villagers noticed Balan lying dead with severe injuries on his body near Pomman coffee estate area and informed his family.

On receiving information, Forest department staff rushed to the spot and sent the body of the deceased for post mortem at Kotagiri Government Hospital.

Tahsildar Mohana also handed over an initial compensation of Rs 50,000 to Balan’s kin. Balan is survived by his wife, son and a daughter.

Villagers recalled how Balan, who miraculously survived the bear attack, fell victim to the elephant attack and passed away. They urged the Forest department to take concrete measures to prevent such elephant intrusion and also noted how another farmer in the same neighbourhood lost his life last year in an elephant attack.