‘Mammoth’ woes give tribals sleepless nights

The night of March 25, 2026, was a nightmare all too familiar for the around 47 Irular and Narikuravar families living along the foothills of Sorakkalpettai, under the Vandranthangal panchayat in Vellore’s Katpadi.

- NIMISHA S PRADEEP & PEARSON LENEKARSR @ Vellore/Tiruchy

Tribal communities account for 1.17% of TN's total population

(S DINESH)

Around 11.30 pm, a herd of five to six elephants emerged from the forest area of Jawadhu Hills and wandered into their settlement, sending residents scrambling out of their huts. “We heard loud trumpeting and ran out into the open. It is not safe to stay inside during such incidents,” said Nithya Bhaskar, a resident. “Tonight too the elephants might come. We can never sleep fully in peace,” Nithya added.