Herd of elephants creates panic in village

A 13-member herd of elephants has strayed into Theethipalayam village in the district,triggering panic among the residents as efforts are on to drive them back into nearby forest area.
The herd, including two calves, was moving through an elephant corridor some 10 km away and strayed into the village, about 15 km, three days ago, forest department sources said.
The elephants had damaged walls, electric post and some water tanks on their way to the village and have been moving around, creating panic among the residents.
Though the villagers managed to scare away the elephants by bursting crackers under the supervision of forest personnel, they returned, forcing the villagers to remain indoors during night hours, the sources said.

However, only three elephants were sighted this morning, they said adding efforts were on to drive them back to forest.