Wild Elephant Tramples Grandmother and Grandchild to Death in Tamil Nadu’s Valparai

In a tragic incident early Sunday morning, a wild elephant attack in Tamil Nadu’s Valparai region claimed the lives of a grandmother and her grandchild. The victims, identified as Asala and her granddaughter Hemashree, were asleep at their home in Oomaiyandi Mudakku Estate when a herd of elephants entered the residential area.

According to local officials, the attack occurred around 3:45 am. Asala reportedly opened the door while holding Hemashree after hearing a knock on the window, unknowingly exposing herself and the child to the rampaging elephant. Hemashree was trampled to death on the spot, while Asala sustained critical injuries and was rushed to the Government Hospital. Unfortunately, she later succumbed to her injuries.

Forest guards responded promptly, chasing the herd away and securing the area to prevent further casualties. Authorities noted that the elephant herd had a history of leaving nearby forests in search of food, prompting previous warnings to local residents to stay indoors during night hours. Anti-poaching guards were reportedly on patrol at the time of the incident.

This incident adds to a worrying pattern of human-elephant conflicts in the Coimbatore and Valparai ranges. Earlier this year, on February 4, 2025, a 77-year-old German tourist was fatally attacked by a wild elephant in Tiger Valley, Valparai Range, after attempting to cross a blocked road while riding a motorbike. Additionally, on January 23, a lone tusker chased an SUV carrying three electricity board employees near Athaliyamman temple, Navamalai, causing the vehicle to roll down the road. Thankfully, all three passengers escaped uninjured.

Officials continue to stress caution for residents living close to forest boundaries, particularly during early morning and night hours, when wild elephants often venture into human settlements in search of food. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has intensified patrols and is considering additional measures to minimize future encounters and safeguard lives.

The tragic deaths of Asala and Hemashree highlight the ongoing challenges in managing human-wildlife conflict in the region, raising urgent calls for awareness and preventive action in elephant-prone areas of Tamil Nadu.