Wild elephant attacks youth while he slept

Sivam Packiyanathan - Batticaloa Special Corr

An 18-year-old youth, Somapala Jeganath of Kochchithoddan, Periyapullumalai was attacked by an elephant on October 20 night while he was sleeping.

This occurred at Kochchithoddam, Periyapullumalai in the Batticaloa Distric. He was rushed to Chenkalady Base Hospital and later transferred to the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital. His condition is said to be critical.

The Eravur Pattu Divisional Secretariat along with the Wild Life Conservation Department have erected a 23 km electrified fence covering Velikkakandy, Periyapullumalai and Koppaveli but this fence is of no use as it has not been maintained.