In a somber occurrence, A V Mukesh, aged 34, a cinematographer affiliated with the Mathrubhumi news channel, met his demise in a fierce elephant encounter in Palakkad, Kerala, on Wednesday morning. The unfortunate incident unfolded as he aimed to capture footage of wild tuskers at Kottekad in Palakkad, an area notorious for frequent wildlife confrontations.
Mukesh found himself amidst a group of wild elephants traversing the river when suddenly, one of the colossal creatures went berserk, charging relentlessly in his direction. In a bid to evade the tusker’s wrath, Mukesh found himself sprawled on the earth, while the ferocious animal inflicted fatal injuries upon him. Despite efforts from onlookers to repel the aggressor, Mukesh sustained severe wounds and was promptly transported to Palakkad District Hospital. Regrettably, he succumbed to his injuries during medical intervention, as relayed by sources.
Meanwhile, the correspondent and chauffeur accompanying Mukesh during the assignment narrowly escaped the elephant’s rampage. Mukesh, hailing from Chettippadi town in the Parappanangadi region of Malappuram district, was the progeny of Unni and Devi. He leaves behind his spouse, Tisha. His mortal remains lie at rest in the mortuary of Palakkad District Hospital.
Having concluded an extensive tenure at the channel’s New Delhi branch, Mukesh returned to Kerala and commenced his role at the Palakkad bureau the previous year. He notably authored over a hundred pieces for the ‘Survival’ column, shedding light on the plight of marginalized communities.