In a heartbreaking incident near Valparai in Coimbatore district, a wild elephant tragically killed a 55-year-old woman and her three-year-old granddaughter in the early hours of Monday, October 13, 2025.
The victims were identified as Asala and her granddaughter, Hemasree, who resided in a labor colony within a tea estate situated along the Pollachi-Valparai Road. This area falls under the jurisdiction of the Valparai forest range, part of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
According to initial reports, the tragic event unfolded around 3:45 AM. A wild elephant reportedly approached their home and knocked on a window. Fearing for their safety, Asala picked up her granddaughter, Hemasree, and opened the front door. The elephant then moved swiftly to the entrance, attacking Asala with its trunk. In the chaos, the young girl fell and was tragically trampled to death by the animal. The elephant then attacked Asala again, leaving her severely injured.
Despite immediate efforts to rush Asala to the Government Hospital at Valparai, she tragically passed away from her injuries before arrival, as confirmed by Forest Department officials.
Upon receiving news of the devastating incident, the Forest Department promptly dispatched a team of three anti-depredation watchers to the site, who successfully guided the elephant away from the residential area.