Daijiworld Media Network – Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 23: In a grim reminder of escalating human-wildlife conflicts in Kerala, an elderly tribal couple was trampled to death by a wild elephant at Aralam Farm in Kannur on Sunday evening, officials reported.
The deceased were identified as Velli (82) and his wife Leela (74), residents of the farm’s 13th block. The tragic incident has increased the death toll from elephant attacks in the Aralam Farm area to 11 over the past six years.
According to locals, the couple was collecting cashew nuts at Karikkanmukku when the elephant charged at them, leaving them with no chance to escape.
Protests erupt over inaction
Following the attack, tensions flared as residents, enraged by the lack of preventive measures, blocked police officials from conducting inquest procedures, demanding the immediate presence of forest authorities at the scene.
The block panchayat president described the sight as horrific, stating that the bodies were severely mutilated and left on the roadside.
Furious over the repeated wildlife incursions, villagers staged a protest with the bodies of the deceased, refusing to release them until the government guaranteed concrete action against the increasing elephant attacks.
Political leaders, including MLA Sunny Joseph, intervened to mediate between the protesters and authorities. After prolonged negotiations, the bodies were transported to Government Pariyaram Medical College for a post-mortem examination.
Government Promises Action
Expressing condolences, Kerala Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran called the incident unfortunate and assured immediate steps to drive elephants away from human settlements. He also announced a high-level meeting involving forest officials, police, local representatives, and district administrators to formulate long-term solutions to prevent further fatalities.
Kerala has witnessed a spike in deadly elephant attacks in recent months, triggering mounting public outrage. Residents are demanding urgent intervention from authorities to curb wildlife intrusions and protect lives and property in vulnerable regions.