Heavy protests shook the hilly town of Pulppalli on February 17 following the death of Paul (50), a Forest Department employee, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a wild elephant attack. Paul’s demise on Friday sparked widespread outrage, with demonstrators assembling near the bus stand in a poignant ‘dead body protest,’ carrying his remains in a carriage. The protest, fueled by emotions, targeted government authorities, police, and the forest department, alleging negligence in addressing longstanding issues faced by the local populace and in providing adequate medical treatment to Paul.
Paul fell victim to a wild elephant attack, prompting an enraged crowd to demand fair compensation for his bereaved family. The protest escalated into assaults against officials, underscoring the intensity of public frustration.
After hours of unrest, the Additional District Magistrate announced a compensation package of Rs 10 lakhs for the family, with assurances that Paul’s daughter’s education would be supported by the authorities. Originally slated for a staggered disbursement, the full compensation, along with an additional Rs 1 lakh insurance amount, was expedited on the same day, owing to relentless pressure from the protestors.
Notably, the mob also displayed the carcass of a domestic animal killed by the wild animal, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Paul’s tragic demise marks the third such incident in the past three weeks, with Lakshamanan (55) falling victim on January 30 in Narikkal near Mananthavadi, and Ajeesh (45) on February 10 in Mananthavadi.
In response to allegations of medical negligence in Paul’s case, Kerala Health Minister Veena George refuted the claims, assuring that medical personnel had been instructed to provide comprehensive treatment.
Earlier clashes between the crowd and officials, which saw police resorting to baton charges, persisted despite attempts at conciliation by local MLAs. Eventually, following the announcement of compensation, protestors relented, allowing Paul’s body to be transported to his residence for final rites, culminating in a funeral at the local church cemetery.
The surge in wildlife attacks has dominated headlines in Kerala in recent months, overshadowing political controversies. The frequent encounters pose a grave threat not only to human lives but also to agricultural livelihoods, with elephants, tigers, wild pigs, and bears venturing into hilly villages adjacent to forests. Environmental experts cite various factors, including habitat loss and diminishing resources, as contributors to the heightened wildlife-human conflict. Urgent action is needed from authorities to safeguard both people and their farms from these unwelcome intrusions.
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