A 34-year-old man was injured by wild elephants which were being driven into the forests by the Forest Department officials near IOB Colony here on Wednesday.

The injured man was identified as Suresh, a native of Salem.

According to sources, officials rushed to the Somayampalayam following a complaint from the residents that two elephants had strayed into the residential area.

When the officials tried to drive back the pachyderms into forest, the two strayed into Somayampalayam, behind Bharathiar University campus and attacked Suresh, who had come out of his house in IOB Colony at 6 a.m.

Suresh, who failed to notice the elephants coming towards him, was attacked. He suffered minor injuries. Suresh was immediately rushed to the Government Hospital, where he is recovering.

After a two-hour struggle, officials managed to drive back the animals into the forest area.

Later an official told The Covai Post said people could call toll free number 1800 4254 5456 if they spot elephants in residential areas. “Those residing close to forest area should avoid getting out of the house early in the morning or late in the nights,” he said.