One person was killed and another seriously injured in a wild elephant attack near Ayyankolli in Gudalur on early Friday. The deceased, identified as Chemban, 65, an Adivasi resident, and his son-in-law, Vishnu, were attacked by a herd of wild elephants while returning home through a tea estate after attending a temple festival.

According to officials, Chemban died from his injuries, while Vishnu has been taken to hospital for treatment. The forest department is investigating the incident and will release compensation to the next of kin of Chemban.

The incident has sparked protests from local business owners in Masinagudi, who claim that restrictions on tourist vehicles using the Kalhatti Ghat Road have severely impacted their businesses. They closed their shops for one day and attached black flags to their vehicles in protest.

The forest department's investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the next of kin of the deceased are expected to receive compensation soon. The court or relevant authorities are not involved in this case, but the forest department will likely take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.