Tribal head mauled to death by tiger in Wayanad

WAYANAD: A 65-year-old man named Kooman, a resident of Devargaddha hamlet in Pulpally, was mauled to death by a tiger. Kooman was collecting firewood along the riverbank with his sister when the attack took place. The incident took place near the Kannaram Puzha, which flows into the Kabani River. The tiger dragged the elderly into the forest. Kooman's sister, who was with him, managed to escape. Kooman was the tribal head in the region.

Locals say that the tiger threat has been serious in the residential area. The forest department and the police reached the spot and initiated work to capture the tiger. However, there is a strong protest from the locals alleging laxity from officials.

Recently, a domestic buffalo was attacked and killed by a tiger in an adjacent area. However, the forest department did not take any significant action in that incident. The locals blamed the laxity of officials to have resulted in the latest tragedy.

The locals are demanding that the man-eating tiger be caught and shot dead as soon as possible to ensure the safety of the people. Forest Minister AK Saseendran announced that camera traps will be installed at many places in the forest to identify the tiger. The minister said that forest officials have been instructed to provide vigilance and necessary protection to those living in the area.