Wed Apr 16 03:19:24 UTC 2025: **Three Killed in Two Days by Wild Elephants in Kerala; UDF Calls for Hartal**
**Thrissur, April 16, 2025** – Three tribal people were killed in separate wild elephant attacks in Athirappilly, Kerala, over two days, sparking public outrage and prompting the United Democratic Front (UDF) to call for a dawn-to-dusk hartal on Wednesday.
The attacks, which occurred near Vanchikkadavu and Malakkappara, claimed the lives of Satheesh and Ambika on Monday night and Sebastian on Sunday. The victims were collecting honey, a traditional practice during the honey-harvesting season. Local residents suspect a rogue elephant known as Manjakomban is responsible.
Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan visited the families of the deceased at Chalakudy hospital. He stated that these deaths bring the total number of fatalities from wildlife attacks in Kerala this year to 18. He strongly criticized the state government’s response, accusing them of inaction and apathy. The UDF demands the immediate deployment of special wildlife squads and sustainable livelihood options for tribal communities.
The UDF’s criticism extended to the Forest Minister, whom they accused of only requesting reports instead of taking decisive action. They highlighted the government’s failure to implement permanent solutions despite repeated promises following previous tragedies. The lack of a visit from even the District Collector to the affected area further fueled their condemnation.
Over the past six years, over a thousand people have reportedly died in Kerala due to wildlife attacks, with thousands more injured. The UDF warned of escalating protests if the government continues to fail to address this crisis, which they described as “extraordinary” and requiring urgent action. All major political parties are expected to support the hartal.
First Piper 