20 elephants stray into villages, cause havoc

A herd of 20 elephants strayed into two villages on the city outskirts and damaged a few houses and crops, creating panic among the residents.

Foreset officials have pressed into service seven 'kumkis' (trained elephants) to drive away the herd which entered Onampalayam and Taliyur from nearby jungle last night, officials said.

The rampaging elephants forced the villagers to remain indoors.