Forest official injured in gaur attack

A beat forest officer was injured in a wild gaur attack at the Aruviyoda section under the Vallakkadavu range in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR), Thekkady, in Idukki on Saturday morning.

He was identified as P.N. Unnikrishnan (45), a Beat Forest Officer (BFO) of the Aruviyoda section.

The BFO, along with a team of forest officials, was on routine patrol duty inside the forest when a wild gaur suddenly charged at them. Mr Unnikrishnan sustained injuries while trying to escape from the animal. The other officials successfully chased the animal away and rushed him to the Peerumade Taluk Hospital.

After receiving primary medical aid at the Peerumade Taluk Hospital, the officer was shifted to the Kottayam Medical College Hospital for specialised treatment.