A lone wild elephant entered a residential area near Kathir Naickenpalayam, on the outskirts of Tudiyalur, around midnight and damaged a tin shed where migrant construction workers were staying.
The elephant damaged food items kept inside the shed and ate rice. Alarmed by the sudden intrusion, the workers rushed out and took shelter in a nearby building, escaping unhurt.
The elephant had earlier entered a nearby farm and consumed cattle feed. It also chased away dogs and damaged crops in the area.
On receiving information from local residents, forest officials reached the spot and launched an operation to drive the elephant back into the forest. After nearly two hours of efforts, the elephant was successfully driven away.
Residents said elephant movement has been frequently reported in Mani Nagar, Ganapathi Nagar, Ganapathi Garden, Postal Colony, R.V. Nagar, Poochiyur, Vetrivelava Nagar, Renugapuram, Lakshmi Nagar and surrounding areas. Forest officials have advised residents to remain highly cautious during night hours. Residents also urged the Electricity Board and Forest Department to take joint measures, alleging that sudden power cuts in Lakshmi Nagar, Renugapuram and nearby areas are making it difficult to monitor elephant movement at night.
