Protest In Wayanad Over Human-Animal Conflict As Man Dies In Elephant Attack

Raju (52) suffered severe injuries in an elephant attack on July 14 and succumbed to his wounds at a hospital in Kozhikode on Tuesday.

Wayanad saw a massive protest as locals expressed their frustration over the government's perceived inaction in addressing ongoing human-animal conflicts on Wednesday. The demonstration followed the death of a man who was recently attacked by a wild elephant.

The four-hour protest concluded after the government promised relief to the victim's family and pledged to implement measures to prevent future incidents, as per a report on PTI.

Elephant Attack: Wayanad Residents Stage Protest

Raju, 52, suffered severe injuries in an elephant attack on July 14 and succumbed to his wounds on Tuesday at a hospital in Kozhikode. The attack occurred around 8:45 pm on Sunday while Raju was returning home from his farm. The elephant, which had been near the field, unexpectedly charged at him, inflicting injuries to his abdomen and legs.

Following this, the village was engulfed in grief and anger as hundreds gathered to protest what they perceived as government inaction. Protesters blocked a highway with an ambulance carrying Raju's body demanding a permanent solution to the escalating human-wildlife conflicts in Wayanad. The protest took place in Kallur, near Sultan Bathery, as per the report.

The demonstrators also directed their frustration at Minister O R Kelu, who visited the scene to meet Raju's family. They demanded Rs 50 lakh in compensation for Raju's family and a permanent government job for his son.

Government Response

Kerala Minister Kelu assured an all-party meeting that the government would provide adequate compensation to Raju's family. Speaking to the media, the minister announced that Rs 11 lakh in relief, including Rs 1 lakh in insurance, would be given to the family. Additionally, the tribal department will support the education of Raju's children, and one of his children will be offered a government job.

Based on the assurance, the protesters ended the agitation. 

Meanwhile, this incident is part of a troubling pattern in Kerala, where several fatalities from wild elephant attacks have been reported earlier this year. Victims included Paul, a 50-year-old forest watcher; Aji, a 42-year-old resident of Wayanad; Lakshmanan, a 65-year-old estate watcher; and Indira Ramakrishnan from Idukki district.