Rampage on Munnar-Marayoor Road: Padayappa's Wild Encounter

A wild elephant, believed to be the bull Padayappa, attacked vehicles on the Munnar-Marayoor road. The elephant damaged a tourist bus and a passing SUV but caused no injuries. Officials are monitoring Padayappa closely, as it is known to frequently roam the area, especially during musth.

In a dramatic night-time encounter, a wild elephant wreaked havoc on vehicles traveling the Munnar-Marayoor road, according to forest officials on Sunday.

The suspected culprit, a bull elephant known locally as Padayappa, began its rampage by shattering a parked tourist bus's window before blocking an SUV. Despite significant damage to the SUV, its occupants emerged unscathed.

In response, the forest department is keeping a vigilant watch on Padayappa, who is known to wander the region, especially during musth, a period of heightened aggression.

(With inputs from agencies.)