Farmer trampled by wild elephants on Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border; highway blocked
A farmer was trampled to death by a herd of six wild elephants near the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border on Monday night, triggering protests that disrupted inter-state traffic for several hours. The incident occurred in Chinna Matarlapalle village in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district, approximately 12 km from Kuppam.
According to forest officials, the farmer was attacked when the elephant herd moved through agricultural land close to the buffer zone. The animals have been crisscrossing the contiguous forest along the inter-state border for days, venturing into human habitations. In a separate incident, the same herd reportedly killed a cow in another border village.
At midnight, a large number of farmers blocked the Madanapalle-Krishnagiri National Highway at Chinna Matarlapalle, disrupting vehicle movement between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Police from both states arrived at the border and diverted traffic through interior roads. The blockade was lifted after Bargur MLA E.C. Govindarasan and Krishnagiri MLA P. Mukundhan visited the protest site and assured the farmers that the issue would be taken up on priority.
Forest officials said a kumki elephant operation would be launched soon to address the recurring man-animal conflict. Kumki elephants are trained elephants used to drive away wild elephants from human settlements. Meanwhile, farmers in the Kuppam division have been advised to avoid early morning and late evening visits to their fields, as the herd could cross into Andhra Pradesh through the contiguous forest corridor.
Wild elephant attacks have been a persistent concern in this region, where forest corridors intersect with agricultural land. The loss of natural habitat has increasingly pushed elephants into human-dominated landscapes, leading to crop damage, property loss, and occasional fatalities. Local residents have long demanded measures such as elephant-proof trenches, solar fencing, and early warning systems.
The incident highlights the growing challenge of balancing wildlife conservation with the safety of farming communities. Officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with forest department teams. Further action, including compensation for the victim's family, is expected to be announced after formalities.
