MUNNAR: Amidst the ongoing spate of wild animal attacks in the Wayanad region of Kerala and adjacent Karnataka, sparking protests among locals, a tragic incident unfolded late last night in the Kannimala Estate in Munnar, where an auto driver fell victim to a wild elephant attack.
The deceased has been identified as Suresh Kumar, known as Mani. Reports indicate that at least four others, including a girl, were present in the auto when the elephant launched its assault. All three injured individuals have been hospitalized.
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According to sources, Mani became trapped beneath the auto during the elephant’s attack, which occurred near the top station of the Kannimala Estate. He leaves behind a wife and two children.
Last month, another grim incident occurred when a 79-year-old man from Coimbatore, attending a function at Thenmala in Munnar, was trampled to death by a wild elephant.
“There have been over 200 instances of wild animal attacks in Munnar and nearby areas. We have repeatedly appealed to the wildlife department and government officials to address the issue and find a solution.
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However, no concrete action has been taken, resulting in immense suffering for the entire farming community,” lamented Murugeshan, a tea plantation worker in Munnar.
Today, residents of Munnar have called for a dawn-to-dusk Hartal in protest. A massive demonstration, supported by all major political parties including the LDF, UDF, and the BJP, is currently underway.
Reports suggest that due to the persistent presence of the wild elephant, people were unable to promptly transport the injured to the hospital. In response to the situation, the LDF has announced a hartal from 6 am to 6 pm today.