Rahul Gandhi Urges Kerala CM for Swift Action Following Fatal Elephant Attack in Wayanad

Senior Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi has penned a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, expressing deep concern over the recent tragic death of Ajeesh Panachiyil in a wild elephant attack in Wayanad. Gandhi has called for decisive action from the state government to safeguard communities and establish an effective emergency response system for such incidents. He highlighted the persistent issue of human-wildlife conflict in Wayanad, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive action plan to mitigate these attacks and protect farmers. The letter also urged the state government to enhance compensation for the affected families. Responding to the incident, the Kerala government has announced Rs 10 lakh compensation and assured a job to one of the deceased’s family members.

The tragic incident occurred when a wild elephant entered a residential area near Mananthavady, leading to the death of a 42-year-old man. Kerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran instructed local authorities to take necessary actions, including tranquilizing the tusker. The Forest Department had confirmed the presence of the tusker with a radio collar two days before the incident, prompting local protests against the alleged inaction of the forest department. This incident follows a recent case involving another rogue tusker, Thanneer Komban, in Wayanad, highlighting the ongoing challenges and complexities in managing human-wildlife conflicts in the region.