Accident – Death – Obituary News :
About the Incident
A 70-year-old woman, Indira Ramakrishnan, tragically lost her life after being trampled by a wild elephant at Kanjiraveli, near Adimaly, under the Neriamangalam forest range on Monday morning. The incident took place around 9.30 a.m. while she was taking tea to her husband at their plantation. The wild elephant also charged at another resident, Kanisseri Shaji, while he was tapping rubber, but he managed to escape. Local residents rushed Indira to the hospital, but unfortunately, she passed away en route to the Kothamangalam taluk hospital. She is survived by her husband Ramakrishnan and children Shibu, Sindu, and Sheeja.
Wild Elephant Activity
According to a senior Forest department official, a herd of wild elephants entered the Neendapara area under the Neriamangalam forest range on Monday morning. Despite efforts by forest officials and the Rapid Response Team (RRT) to chase the animals away, one elephant crossed the Periyar river and moved to Kanjiraveli, where the tragic incident occurred. The presence of these wild elephants has caused concern among local residents, especially following a series of recent attacks in the Munnar Division.
Recent Incidents
Within the past two months, there have been five reported deaths due to wild elephant attacks in the Munnar Division. These incidents have raised alarm and prompted calls for immediate action to address the growing man-animal conflict in the region. The Idukki diocese under the Syro Malabar Church has demanded a swift resolution to contain wild animals within their natural habitat and prevent further loss of life.
Protests and Demands
In response to the tragic incident involving Indira Ramakrishnan, local leaders, including Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose and MLAs Mathew Kuzhalnadan and Eldhose Kunnapillil, led a protest in Kothamangalam town demanding justice and compensation for the victim’s family. The protesters were met with police intervention, leading to a tense situation that resulted in a hunger strike by Mr. Kuzhalnadan and Mr. Kunnapillil. The community remains united in seeking a permanent solution to the ongoing man-wildlife conflict in the area.
Conclusion
The untimely death of Indira Ramakrishnan serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the encroachment of wild animals into human settlements. As authorities work to address these challenges, it is essential for all stakeholders to come together and find sustainable solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of both wildlife and local communities. The incident at Kanjiraveli highlights the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with human-wildlife interactions..
