Panic gripped residents and motorists after a lone elephant was spotted roaming along the mountain roads near Palani over the past few days.
The elephant has been frequently seen emerging from the forest areas around Puliyamarathuset near Annanagar and wandering onto the hill roads. Eyewitnesses said the animal often կանգs in the middle of the road, blocking vehicular movement and causing fear among commuters.
In a recent incident, the elephant reportedly damaged the door of a grocery shop in the Annanagar area before lingering there briefly and returning to the forest. A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media.
Local residents and nature enthusiasts have expressed concern over the repeated movement of the elephant into human habitations. They have urged the Forest Department to take necessary steps to drive the animal back into the forest and ensure adequate availability of water and food within forest areas to prevent such occurrences.
