Thrissur (Kerala) | A 62-year-old Man died on Saturday in a wild elephant attack near his home near Athirappally in this district, a senior Forest Department official said.

The incident occurred around 2.45 am when the victim -- Mohanan -- and two of his relatives tried to chase away a wild elephant which came near their residential area, the official said.

As the three tried to chase away the jumbo, it turned and attacked them, causing fatal injuries to Mohanan, who was rushed to a nearby hospital, but his life could not be saved, the official said.

The area is close to a forest and after the attack, the elephant returned to the wild and is no longer present in the area, he said.

Nevertheless, forest officials are present in the area to make sure the jumbo has returned to the wild and will not return, he added.

The official also said that all steps are being taken to provide immediate financial assistance to the victim's family.

Local residents claimed that they have been living under the fear of elephant attacks for some time and the government has not been doing anything constructive except making various promises.