In Kerala's Wayanad district, a tragic incident unfolded on Saturday as a 42-year-old man fell victim to a fatal attack by a wild elephant, as confirmed by officials.
Reportedly, the distressing event transpired within the confines of the Mananthavady area of the city, where a wild tusker ventured into a residential locality and launched a fatal assault on the man identified as Padamala Panachiyil Aji.
The untimely demise of Aji sparked a wave of unrest in Mananthavady, with locals taking to the streets, accompanying Aji's body, which was subsequently transferred to the Mananthavady Medical College, where he succumbed to his injuries.
In response to the tragedy, the Kerala government promptly announced a compensation of Rs ten lakhs and pledged to secure employment for a member of the deceased's family. Additionally, the state administration undertook the responsibility of ensuring the education of Aji's two children.
Forest Minister A K Saseendran issued directives to the District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of Police (SP) of Wayanad, urging swift action to tranquilize the rogue elephant and relocate it to its natural habitat.
Wayanad's Member of Parliament and Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, expressed his concern over the incident and urged both the Central and state governments to take resolute measures in response.
Expressing empathy for the deceased's family, especially his ailing mother and young children, Gandhi underscored the devastating impact of wildlife attacks, particularly those involving elephants, on the lives and livelihoods of Wayanad residents. He emphasized the pressing need for a comprehensive action plan to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and safeguard both communities and wildlife in the region.
Notably, last week, another wild elephant, fitted with a radio collar, was sighted in the Mananthavady area of Wayanad. Despite extensive efforts to capture and relocate the tusker, it tragically succumbed while in captivity.
