Elderly woman found dead in Wayanad forest, elephant attack suspected

A 65-year-old woman was found dead in a forest area at Panavally in the district on Friday, with officials suspecting that she was killed in an elephant attack. The deceased was identified as Chandini of the Cheramathur tribal colony near Appapara here. According to the police, the incident came to light when forest officials noticed the presence of a wild elephant herd in the Panavally area. While tracking the herd, they found Chandini’s body among the bushes in the forest. The police said injuries were found on the woman’s body, which are suspected to have been caused by an elephant attack. However, the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after the post-mortem examination, they added. The body has been shifted to a hospital for post-mortem, an officer said. The police also said they have received information that Chandini was mentally unstable. The Thirunelli police have begun an investigation and a case of unnatural death will be registered. Published - December 26, 2025 09:26 pm IST

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