Kerala Witnesses Two Fatal Elephant Attacks In 24 Hours; Wayanad Man Killed On Day Of MP’s Visit

Ahead of the elephant attacks in Kerala, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi on Monday met local villagers and assured them of her support in tackling the man-animal conflicts.

The back-to-back incidents have sparked outrage among local residents, who staged protests demanding immediate action to address the recurring issue of human-wildlife conflict in the region. 

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A 45-year-old tribal man was killed in a wild elephant attack on Monday night in Wayanad's Noolpuzha panchayat, marking the second such fatality in the state within 24 hours. The victim, identified as Manu, a resident of the Kappad tribal settlement near the Tamil Nadu border, was reportedly caught by the elephant’s trunk and thrown during the violent encounter. 

The incident occurred as Manu was returning home after purchasing groceries. Manu's death came to light after a search operation by his relatives after he failed to return home. His wife, who had accompanied him to the shop, is also missing, raising further concerns, as per a report on Manorama. The search for her continues as the community grapples with the shocking tragedy.

This fatal attack comes just hours after another incident in Idukki district, where a 45-year-old woman, Sofia, was killed by a wild elephant near Peruvanthanam. Sofia, a resident of Kompanpara, had gone to bathe in a stream along the forest border when she was trampled to death. Her son found her body after she failed to return home. Police suspect that Sofia may have unintentionally encountered the elephant leading to the fatal attack.

The back-to-back incidents have sparked outrage among local residents, who staged protests demanding immediate action to address the recurring issue of human-wildlife conflict in the region. 

Meanwhile, Congress general secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi visited forest fringe hamlets in her constituency on Monday. She engaged with local villagers and assured them of her support in tackling the man-animal conflicts. Later, addressing a gathering of party workers, Gandhi emphasised the need for a collective effort to address the challenges faced by tribal communities, including inadequate access to education and essential services, as per a report on PTI.