Elephant killings in Wayanad; Move to ignite protest against government in Legislative Assembly

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition is set to protest in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, holding the forest department responsible for the incident involving a wild elephant claiming a life in Padamala, Wayanad. Minister AK Saseendran attempted to defend the actions of the Karnataka government, criticizing the state government's response.

Officials from the forest department report that two elephants captured by the Karnataka government and released into the forest with radio collars have reached Kerala. The elephants are identified as Thanneer Kompan and the one involved in the fatal incident with Ajeesh. The minister will also address the elephant population in the forest and discuss the establishment of an inter-state coordination committee with the Karnataka government to address forest-related issues.

A special cell will be established, incorporating three forest divisions in Wayanad with collaboration from police and revenue officials. Additionally, two special Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) will be formed in Wayanad. Out of the 500 tribal forest officers who recently joined the department, 167 will be dedicated to Wayanad district. A meeting chaired by the minister yesterday concluded to convene another meeting on the 15th to address further matters.