The body of a man who was trampled to death by a wild elephant at Urulanthanni in Kuttampuja Panchayat in the eastern suburbs of Ernakulam district on Monday night (December 16, 2024) was allowed to be shifted to a hospital from the spot. Tuesday (December 17, 2024) at 2.30 am only
45-year-old Aldose of Valiya Kanachari in Pinabhurkudi ward of Kuttampujha Panchayat was attacked by a wild elephant at night when he was returning home from work on the well-lit road. Around 8:30 pm, the deceased was a graduate and the sole breadwinner of his elderly parents and family. sister
District Officer NSK Umesh had to plead with them after the anger and suffering of the people whose daily life and livelihood were affected by the frequent attacks of wild animals was reflected in the loud protest that lasted for more than 6 hours throughout the night. To allow the body to move with folded hands despite promising to fulfill all long-standing demands. “His (deceased) sister is asking how she can continue discussing with her brother’s dead body lying on the road. I request permission to take the dead body (hospital) with folded hands. I will hold a review meeting on December 27 and personally ensure that all necessary measures are taken,” Mr. Umesh said.
The body was taken to the Government Medical College Hospital, Kalamasari at around 4:30 am on Tuesday, and it is said that the body will return home after the post-mortem at around 4:30 pm on Tuesday. The funeral is likely to take place later in the evening.
A public strike has been called in Kuttampuja Panchayat and Kothamangalam town on Tuesday. A protest rally will be taken out from Kothmangalam town to the office of the Divisional Forest Officer and from Kuttampuzha to the office of the Forest Zone Officer.
Earlier, the people were angry that the MLAs and District Collectors and other officials were delayed in coming to the place of the incident not even an hour after the incident. Finally Kothamangalam MLA Antony John and Muvattupuzha MLA Mathew Kujalanadan, Mr. Umesh and senior forest and police officials reached the spot.
The authorities had to soak in the anger of the agitating public who accused the government and the forest department of alleged indifference to resolve the man-animal conflict that was increasing day by day. Restoration of solar fencing, digging of ditches in the affected areas and installation of street lights were the main demands of the people. The people initially raised the demands after another person was killed in the same Pinabhurkudi ward about two years ago.
Immediate relief Rs. 10 lakhs to the family of the deceased and government job to the sister were also demanded. Check Rs. Kuttampuja Panchayat President Kanthi Vellakayan said that Rs 5 lakh has been given to the family and the rest has been assured on Tuesday.
The tension finally subsided when Umesh agreed to meet their demands.
published – December 17, 2024 at 08:56 pm IST