Tue Dec 17 14:21:17 UTC 2024: ## Kerala Protests Erupt After Man Killed in Elephant Attack
**Kothamangalam, Kerala –** Hundreds protested in Kothamangalam on Tuesday following the death of a 45-year-old man, Eldhose, who was killed by a wild elephant on Monday evening in Kuttampuzha. The protest, organized by the Janakeeya Samara Samithi, shut down Kuttampuzha panchayat and Kothamangalam town in a hartal, demanding action against what they called the government and Forest Department’s apathy towards human-animal conflict.
Angry villagers initially prevented authorities from removing Eldhose’s body until they received assurances of compensation for his family and solutions to prevent future attacks. These included restoring solar fencing, digging trenches, and repairing streetlights in the affected area.
District Collector N.S.K. Umesh intervened, negotiating with protesters and promising to hold a review meeting on December 27th. Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran also pledged to implement the measures promptly. Work on digging trenches began immediately after the body was released for a post-mortem.
Half of the promised ₹10 lakh compensation was immediately given to Eldhose’s family. Further demands include a government job for his sister. The funeral was followed by a protest march to the Divisional Forest Officer’s office. The incident highlights the ongoing struggle in the region to balance human safety with wildlife conservation.
First Piper 