Aryadan Shoukath and Fire Force team stranded in forest due to boat engine failure

POTHUKALLU: Newly elected MLA Aryadan Shoukath and a team from the Fire Force were stranded in a forested area while returning from the Vaniyampuzha settlement after escorting the body of an Adivasi man killed in a wild elephant attack.

The victim, Billy (56), was attacked and killed by a wild elephant in the Munderi forest area on Wednesday evening. Following a post-mortem at Manjeri Medical College, the body was transported to Vaniyampuzha in a dinghy boat. On the return trip, the boat carrying Shoukath and officials encountered a mechanical failure, with both engines breaking down deep inside the forest. As a result, the group was left stranded. However, reports confirm that all individuals on board are safe.

Shoukath was scheduled to travel to Thiruvananthapuram tonight via the Rajyarani Express at 9:30 PM to attend the official swearing-in ceremony tomorrow. He was also expected to participate in a UDF event at Mar Thoma College along with other engagements. Due to the unforeseen situation, changes to his itinerary are likely, according to sources.