Wayanad: Two youngsters from Ernakulam who trespassed onto forest land in Wayanad to take photographs, including selfies, with a herd of elephants, are set to face action from the Forest Department.

The incident occurred the other day at 5th Mile, between Pulppalli and Sulthan Bathery, in the Kurichiad Forest Range of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Tourists passing by in another vehicle filmed the reckless activity of the youths. In the video, the youths can be seen running back to their car when an irate elephant began a charge.

The registration number was visible in the video and it helped the forest department identify the owner of the car. The violators have been directed to report at the office of the Wayanad Wildlife Warden at Sulthan Bathery.

Dinesh Kumar, Wayanad Wildlife Warden, said strict action will be taken against the duo. “Many people have been involved in such selfie acts, a punishment should deter them from repeating such activities,” said Dinesh Kumar.

According to officials, any tresspass into the prohibited forest zone shall be punishable with imprisonment up to three years or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh or with both, in tune with the gravity of the tresspass.