Following in the footsteps of ‘Arikompan’, a wild elephant known for raiding ration shops in Chinnakkanal, another wild tusker named ‘Chakkakompan’ vandalised a ration shop in Anayirankal under the Devikulam forest range in Idukki on Friday.

According to local residents, the elephant had been spotted in the area since Thursday night before attacking the shop around 5.00 a.m. on Friday. The tusker damaged the building and attempted to feed on the rice and wheat flour stored inside. Noticing the animal’s presence, residents raised alarm and managed to chase it away.

According to the ration shop owner, P.M. Ameer, this was the twelfth time that wild elephants have targeted his shop. “Arikompan attacked the shop more than five times before he was translocated from Chinnakkanal. After his translocation, Chakkakompan took over and has attacked the shop seven times in the past three years,” Mr. Ameer said.

He added that a previous attack three months ago caused extensive damage to the building. “I spent over ₹45,000 in repairs, but I haven’t received anything in compensation from the Forest department. In Friday’s attack, five sacks of rice were damaged. Civil Supplies officials have agreed to replenish the stock next month. Out of fear of further attacks, I now keep only limited stock in the shop,” said Mr. Ameer.

Electric fencing

Meanwhile, Forest department officials stated that they had previously tried to install solar fencing around the ration shop. “However, local residents opposed the move, demanding that the fencing cover the entire layam (cluster homes) area, which halted the decision. Installing solar fencing around the shop is once again under consideration by the department,” a forest official noted.

Published - July 24, 2026 07:20 pm IST