TIRUPATI: At least three people, including a woman, were killed, two others were seriously injured in an attack by wild elephants near Gundalakona in Obulavaripalle mandal, Annamayya district on Tuesday.
According to local police and forest officials, a group of devotees from Y Kota village entered the Seshachalam forests to visit a Shiva temple on the eve of Mahashivaratri. They were suddenly attacked by a herd of wild elephants.
The victims, identified as Vankayala Dinesh, Tupakula Munemma, and Chengalrayudu, died on the spot. Two others sustained severe injuries and were taken to the government general hospital in Rayachoti.
Upon receiving information, police and forest officials rushed to the location and transported the deceased and injured using makeshift stretchers.
Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan expressed deep sorrow over the incident and instructed the district administration to provide the best medical care for the injured. He also directed Railway Kodur MLA Arava Sreedhar to visit the area and extend government support to the affected families.
Authorities have been ordered to prevent public entry into the forest due to ongoing elephant activity near Gundalakona and nearby areas.