Kumily: A forest watcher was severely injured after a wild gaur attacked a team conducting a tiger census at Thekkady. The injured watcher, Vairamuthu from Meghamalai, suffered severe abdominal injuries.

The attack took place on Wednesday afternoon near Koottamkayam, where the team had entered the forest for the ongoing census. The gaur suddenly charged at the group, leaving Vairamuthu badly hurt.

He was first taken by boat to the Thekkady landing area and then to a private hospital in Kumily for initial treatment. As his condition remained critical, he was later shifted to the Government Theni Medical College Hospital for specialised care.