Forest watcher beaten to death

A 56-year-old forest watcher was allegedly murdered when he prevented a group of persons from leading a maimed elephant to be exhibited among tourists at a resort near here, police said on Monday. The body of forest watcher Kannan was found floating in a well in Mavanalla village in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, 30 km from here, this morning by the locals. 

Quoting preliminary investigations, police said Kannan was allegedly beaten to death by some persons who later dumped his body in the well. Kannan had prevented some persons from taking the male elephant named Rivaldo, a favourite among the villagers, who used to feed it after part of its trunk was cut off by poachers some time ago. 

The elephant used to go door-todoor and consume dishes, including idlis and dosas, provided by the residents, police said. The elephant used to be fed by them as it could not hold food in its trunk. The pachyderm did not have the flap of skin at the edge of its trunk. Besides, it also did not have proper teeth.  Forest sources said Kannan, had twice warned one of the locals, Krishnan (28) not to feed the elephant, which used to wander around Mavanalla, Vazhathottam and Masinagudi forest areas. 

Even after the warning from the forest official, Krishnan continued feeding leaves to the elephant. Upset over this, the forest official tried to stop him physically, resulting in an altercation between the two. During this, Krishnan pushed Kannan into a water tank, which was kept there for animals. 

Kannan drowned in the tank and died. It was only yesterday that the forest official was promoted to the next grade. Police arrested Krishnan and are conducting investigation.