A 40-year-old farmer was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Bargur hills in Anthiyur taluk on Friday (May 29) morning.The police identified the deceased as Thangaraj of Eppatham Palayam village, who worked his land near the forest area. Thangaraj was behind his house around 6 a.m. when a lone elephant suddenly approached him from behind. He tried to flee, but the animal chased him and attacked him with its tusk, inflicting fatal injuries to his chest. He died on the spot.Hearing his cries, family members and neighbours rushed to the area. By then, the elephant had retreated into the forest. They found Thangaraj lying in a pool of blood and informed the Bargur police and Forest Department officials. The police recovered the body and sent it to the Government Hospital in Anthiyur for a post-mortem examination.Residents said elephant movement in the Bargur hill region had increased in recent weeks owing to drought conditions in the forest areas, forcing wild elephants to venture into villages in search of food and water. The incident has created fear among villagers, who urged the government to provide adequate compensation to the bereaved family.Thangaraj is survived by his wife, Geetha, and four sons. Forest officials advised residents to remain alert in view of continued elephant movement in the area. Published - May 29, 2026 05:17 pm IST