Villagers Protest Government's Inaction After Elephant Attack Turns Fatal

A village in Wayanad district erupted in protest following the death of Raju, a victim of a wild elephant attack. The locals accused the government of failing to act against frequent wild elephant incursions. Demands include compensation for the victim's family and government intervention to prevent further incidents.

A village in Kerala's Wayanad district witnessed a massive protest on Wednesday, following the death of Raju, 52, from injuries sustained in a wild elephant attack on July 14.

Raju succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday while undergoing treatment in Kozhikode hospital. In response, hundreds gathered in the village to express their frustration over the government's alleged inaction in preventing such attacks.

Protesters blocked a highway with Raju's body in an ambulance, demanding a Rs 50 lakh compensation for his family and a permanent government job for his son. The protesters also voiced their anger at Minister O R Kelu, who visited the scene to meet the victim's family.

The villagers called for a long-term solution to the increasing human-wildlife conflicts in Wayanad, noting recent fatalities, including the deaths of Paul, Aji, Lakshmanan, and Indira Ramakrishnan.

(With inputs from agencies.)