A man was reportedly trampled to death by a wild tusker at Knachary in Kuttampuzha panchayat near Kothamangalam along the eastern suburbs of Ernakulam on Monday around 8 p.m.
The deceased was identified as Eldhose, 40, of Knachary. According to local residents, he had just alighted from a bus and was walking home when a tusker suddenly attacked him. Another person who was walking behind him in the same direction had a miraculous escape as he took to his heels.
The body of the man, which was mutilated beyond recognition, was still lying on the spot as the highly agitated residents reportedly prevented it from being moved unless the officials concerned came to the spot and agreed to implement their long-standing demand to end human-animal conflict, which had progressively worsened in the area over the years. A big crowd remained assembled in the area.
“We had raised a few demands when a life was similarly lost at Pinavoorkudy, which is also in Kuttampuzha panchayat, one-and-a-half years ago. At that time, we had demanded that the areas adjoining the forest be fenced and trenches be dug. The area where the latest incident took place is known for repeated encroachments by wild tuskers,” said Kanthi Vellakkayan, Kuttampuzha panchayat president.
The deceased was the sole breadwinner for his family of aged parents and a sister. He was working as a casual labourer and was returning after the day’s work when tragedy struck. The over 1-km stretch to his house is flanked by dense forest and is unlit.
“There are streetlights along the stretch, but they do not work. Eldhose was chased down by the tusker, which slammed him on a tree,” said a resident.
A woman recalled that Eldhose had been carrying provisions home when he ended up in front of the tusker. “His mother was still waiting for him. How many more lives should be trampled by elephants before the authorities open their eyes? We will not let this happen anymore,” she said.
Condoling the death, Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran said necessary directions had been given to the Ernakulam District Collector and Forest officials to address the residents’ concerns. Though the tender process for installing solar fencing to prevent entry of wild elephants into human habitations at Urulanthanni, near Knachary, had been completed, a probe would be ordered to ascertain the reasons for the delay in its implementation, he said.
Dean Kuriakose, the MP representing Idukki constituency, which includes Kothamangalam, slammed the government for, what he alleged, its apathy towards the people and their issues. “What is the point of giving assurances after lives are lost. The Forest department has been given excessive powers, but it remains dormant all the same. It is not about the dearth of funds or projects but the lack of will to execute. How many people have been killed in a similar manner over the past eight years?” he asked.
Published – December 17, 2024 12:18 am IST
