Government's fallen promise; 'Puli Gopalan' not given Rs 50000 for treatment

IDUKKI: The government's promise of financial aid to Gopalan who suffered brutal injuries in a leopard attack has reached nowhere. Gopalan who hails from Idukki Mankullam tribal community has now earned the sobriquet “Puli(leopard) Gopalan.” After the attack, his left hand was torn apart, leaving him in no position to do any physical labor. He is the sole bread earner in his family. The government then came forward promising help but after all these months the words never walked the talk and it is turning out to be another beguiling act nonetheless.

The incident happened in September when Gopalan got ambushed by a leopard on his way to the farm. He reminisces about the moment, saying he saw death. He wiggled out of the mauling by killing the leopard with a machete he always carried to the farm, thereby earning the sobriquet.

The localities shifted him to Adimaly thaluk hospital, and he was bedded there for more than two weeks. The forest department as a token of the brave fight announced a reward of RS 50000 to cover his treatment expense. However, Gopalan in apprehension reveals that the government has never batted an eye into his issue ever since. He tried going back to work but retired soon after the pain returned often causing distress.