Rahul Gandhi writes to Kerala Chief Minister after elephant kills man in Wayanad

Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi on Monday wrote to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeking decisive action on the death of a man due to an elephant attack in the district recently.

A 42-year-old man was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Wayanad on February 10, which triggered a protest by locals.

In his letter, Rahul Gandhi requested the state government take action to protect the communities and to put in place an efficient quick response mechanism for emergencies of this nature.

"I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you regarding the shocking demise of Ajeesh Panachiyil from Payyampally. He was fatally attacked by an elephant. Another life has been tragically lost in Wayanad due to a wildlife attack. He was not only the sole breadwinner of his family but also the primary caregiver for his bedridden mother. My heart goes out to his family, especially his ailing mother and young children," the letter read.

"The spate of wildlife attacks, especially elephant attacks, has caused tremendous damage to the lives and livelihoods of the people of Wayanad. The people in my constituency have paid a huge price due to the rising instances of human-animal conflict, and our communities, especially those residing adjacent to the forests, live in perpetual fear," it added.

"In this backdrop, I urge the state government to take decisive action to protect our communities and to put in place an efficient, quick response mechanism for emergencies of this nature. I would also like to request that the state government enhance compensation for the families of the deceased," the letter concluded.

Following the protest, the Kerala government announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh and a government job for one of the family members of the victim. The state government also said that it would take responsibility for the education of the two children of the victim.

The incident took place in the Mananthavady area of the city when a wild tusker entered a residential area and attacked the man, identified as Padamala Panachiyil Aji.