'Viral Video Shows Tusker Charging at Biker': Rider Escapes by Seconds After Risky Move Near Munnar

A two-wheeler rider had a narrow escape after a wild elephant charged at him on the Munnar-Udumalpet National Highway on Wednesday morning.

According to officials, the incident occurred at the S-Valavu (S-Curve) bend near the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border.

A wild tusker, locally known as Virikompan, was standing in the middle of the road. On spotting the animal, other motorists safely stopped their vehicles on the roadside and waited for it to move into the forest. However, a two-wheeler rider attempted to pass along the edge of the road.

The moving vehicle caught the tusker's attention, prompting it to suddenly charge at the rider. The biker quickly swerved to the side of the road, abandoned the vehicle and ran to safety, narrowly escaping the attack.

The dramatic encounter was captured on video by passengers travelling in a bus, and the footage has since gone viral on social media.

An official from the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary clarified that the incident did not occur within the sanctuary's jurisdiction. The S-Valavu area falls under the Anamalai Tiger Reserve in neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

"Normally, wild elephants in the Chinnar region do not attack vehicles. The Forest department conducts regular night patrolling along this route to ensure the safety of both people and wildlife," the official said.

According to Forest department sources, the two-wheeler rider's reckless attempt to pass the elephant allegedly provoked the animal, triggering the aggressive charge.