As wild elephants continue to pose a threat to residents in Chinnakkanal in Idukki, the reported presence of a tiger has added to the panic. Local residents reported that a tiger attacked a cow at Eetithery, near BL Ram village in Chinnakkanal, on Sunday (June 21, 2026).

During a subsequent inspection, Forest department officials confirmed the tiger’s presence in the area and set up a camera trap.

Devikulam range officer Arun Kumar stated that the tiger had strayed from the Mathikettan Shola National Park. “There is a known tiger presence in Mathikettan Shola, and the big cat accidentally wandered into this area and attacked cattle,” Mr. Kumar said.

“The Forest department’s rapid response team (RRT) burned tyres in the area to scare the big cat back into the national park. The Forest department will also provide compensation to the farmer who lost his cattle in the attack,” said the official.

Jumbos destroy house

Meanwhile, wild elephants destroyed a house at Singukandam near Chinnakkanal. According to residents, the house is owned by 87-year-old Muthuplackal Mariyakkutty. When the elephants attacked, Ms. Mariyakkutty was staying with her son, Santhosh, at his house nearby, and narrowly escaped the encounter. This is the second time wild elephants have destroyed her home; just a few months ago, elephants destroyed the structure, forcing her to rebuild it.