Two individuals have been arrested for attacking the vehicle of the forest department concerning the Pulpally violence incidents, police reported. The arrest came after three consecutive deaths from wild elephant attacks that triggered protests in Kerala’s Wayanad on Saturday. Prohibitory orders were imposed on the Pulpally area for two days in response.
“Police are checking the CCTV footage of the area and two more people involved in the violence will be arrested soon,” Pulpally Police.
On Monday, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan met the family of Ajeesh, who passed away due to a wild elephant attack. Earlier on Sunday, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi visited the residence of Forest Department watcher VP Paul, who was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Wayanad. He expressed his condolences to the grieving family. This tragedy initiated massive protests in Pakkam village in Wayanad District of Kerala. Gandhi had also penned a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, urging prompt and resolute action regarding the incident.
According to Kerala Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran, the victim was assaulted when an elephant wandered into a residential area near Mananthavady. Following the incident, the Kerala government declared a compensation of Rs 10 lakh and pledged to offer employment to one of the deceased’s family members.
In the interim, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan instructed officials on Saturday to convene a high-level meeting to address the concerns surrounding wildlife attacks in Wayanad. The gathering is planned for the 20th of February in Wayanad. The meeting will be attended by ministers from the Revenue, Forest, and Local Self-Government Departments. It will also include people’s representatives, such as those from local bodies in Wayanad district, as well as various officials, including high-ranking officials.
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