Mon Dec 16 18:48:06 UTC 2024: ## Man Trampled to Death by Elephant in Kerala Sparks Protests
**KOCHI, KERALA –** A 40-year-old man, Eldhose, was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Knachary, Kuttampuzha panchayat, near Kothamangalam on Monday night, sparking outrage and protests from local residents. Eldhose was walking home after work when he was attacked. Another pedestrian narrowly escaped.
Angered by the incident and citing a history of human-wildlife conflict in the area, residents prevented the removal of Eldhose’s body until officials arrived and agreed to address their long-standing demands. These demands include fencing off areas bordering the forest and digging trenches to deter elephants. The area is known for repeated elephant incursions, according to Kuttampuzha panchayat president Kanthi Vellakkayan.
Eldhose was the sole provider for his family, leaving behind aged parents and a sister. The stretch of road where the incident occurred is unlit and runs alongside dense forest. Residents claim that despite the presence of streetlights, they are non-functional.
Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran expressed condolences and stated that instructions have been given to address residents’ concerns. He also announced a probe into the delay in implementing a solar fencing project, despite the tender process being completed.
District Collector N.S.K. Umesh attempted to calm protesting residents who demanded compensation for Eldhose’s family. MLAs Antony John and Mathew Kuzhalnadan, along with MP Dean Kuriakose, were also present. Kuriakose criticized the government’s alleged apathy, questioning the effectiveness of assurances given after such tragedies.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) has declared its support for a hartal (general strike) in Kuttampuzha and Kothamangalam on December 17th to protest the rising number of wildlife-related deaths in the region. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between human settlements and wildlife in the area and the need for effective mitigation strategies.
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