Forest staff with the two youngsters rescued from the Attappady forests in the early hours of Wednesday. The rescued youngsters are seen fifth and seventh from left.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Two youths who entered the Attappady forest to film blooming Neelakurinji lost their way and became stranded, prompting a late-night search by forest staff who encountered wild elephants several times during the rescue.
Abheendar and Shanu, both aged 23 and from Thavalam in Attappady, entered the Chenthamala forest without permission on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) morning. They walked for more than three hours to reach the high-altitude area, where shola forests meet grasslands.
However, they lost their way on the return journey. Darkness fell before they could find their way out.
The rescue
Forest officials were alerted around 8 p.m. and launched a search, carrying water and biscuits for the youths. After trekking for about three-and-a-half hours, the team found them around 11.30 p.m.
“They were tired, and one of them had muscle cramps,” said N. Safeer, Attappady range forest officer, who supervised the operation.
The rescue was not over. On the way back, the forest staff encountered wild elephants several times and had to move away to avoid confrontation. They eventually brought the youths safely out of the forest early on Wednesday.
The incident unfolded in an area known for its wildlife. Chenthamala has a high presence of elephants and other animals, including tigers. Weather conditions can also change quickly in the hills, Mr. Safeer said.
Neelakurinji had bloomed in the area about three weeks earlier, drawing some tribal residents who recorded videos of the flowers. The Forest department had warned people against entering the area because of the risks.
The two youths, however, entered without permission to see the flowers and shoot reels for social media.
After the rescue, forest officials summoned their parents and explained the risks involved. The department has registered a case against the youths for trespassing into the protected forest.
Officials said people entering protected forest areas without permission would face legal action.
Published – September 09, 2026 06:44 pm IST
