A wild elephant triggered panic in Karikkottakkary town in Kannur, Kerala, after entering a residential area in Ayyankunnu grama panchayat on Wednesday (March 5) morning.

The elephant, which charged at a Forest department vehicle, displayed aggression before it was chased off the road. It is currently in a nearby plantation, with forest officials working to steer it back into the forest.

In response to the situation, District Collector Arun K. Vijayan has imposed a ban on public gatherings in three wards, including ward 8 (Edapuzha), ward 9 (Koomanthode) and ward 10 (Karikkottakkary).

The restrictions will remain in place from 10 a.m. on Wednesday until 6 p.m. on Thursday to ensure the safety of the public.