Synopsis
In a heart-wrenching incident, a wild elephant killed an elderly tribal couple in Kerala's Kannur. The community is demanding urgent action from authorities as this marks the eleventh fatality from wild elephant attacks in recent years, highlighting the ongoing man-animal conflict.Key Takeaways
- Elderly couple tragically killed by a wild elephant.
- This incident marks the 11th fatality from wild elephant attacks in Aralam Farm.
- Residents are demanding immediate action from the Forest Department.
- The couple was collecting cashew nuts when attacked.
- Protests erupted as locals sought solutions from the government.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 23 (NationPress) In yet another tragic incident of man-animal conflict, an elderly tribal couple was trampled to death by a wild elephant at Aralam Farm in Kerala's Kannur on Sunday evening, officials reported.
The deceased have been identified as Velli, aged 82, and his wife Leela, aged 74, who resided in the 13th block of the farm.
With their passing, the toll of individuals killed in wild elephant attacks in the Aralam Farm region over the last six years has escalated to eleven.
As per local residents, the couple was gathering cashew nuts from the farm at Karikkanmukku when the elephant launched its attack.
Officials from the Forest Department noted that the bodies were transported to the nearby government taluk hospital for a post-mortem examination. However, tensions heightened as locals obstructed police from carrying out the inquest procedures, insisting on the immediate presence of forest officials at the scene.
The block panchayat President informed the media that the victims' bodies were discovered severely mutilated on the road.
Frustrated by ongoing wildlife attacks, residents organized a protest with the remains of the tribal couple, refusing to relinquish the bodies until the government presented a definitive solution to the situation. Protesters claimed that despite persistent elephant intrusions into their farms and residential areas, the Forest Department had failed to implement effective measures.
Forest officials and political representatives, including MLA Sunny Joseph, intervened to calm the protesters. Following negotiations, the bodies were moved to Government Pariyaram Medical College.
Kerala Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran expressed his condolences regarding the tragic deaths and labeled the incident as unfortunate. He indicated that Forest Department officials have been instructed to take immediate actions to drive elephants away from human habitats. The minister also announced intentions to convene a meeting with local representatives, forest officials, police, district administration, and residents to discuss long-term solutions.
In recent months, Kerala has experienced a rise in fatal wild elephant attacks, prompting escalating protests against the Forest Department. Residents are demanding urgent interventions to avert further loss of lives and property damage in affected regions.
