Strong protest with Paul's dead body; locals ask district collector to reach protest spot

KURUVADWEEP: Locals are now protesting with the dead body of Paul, who was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Wayanad. It was on Saturday morning that the dead body was brought to Pulpally from the hospital. The locals have decided to continue the protest until the district collector and others reach the spot and give assurances about compensation.

“The district administration should intervene in this. The Government has entrusted the District Administration with the responsibility. The collector should come here. Forest department officials should also come here. This is a terrible incident. There is no disrespect to the dead body. The Collector should come here and should agree to terms put forward by the kin of the victims and locals.” Said Local MLA IC Balakrishnan.

Paul was attacked by the wild elephant in Pakam Chekadi Road at around 9:30 am on Friday. He was rushed to medical college but the injuries suffered were too serious. He was later shifted to Kozhikode Medical College after the internal bleeding did not stop. Paul died while undergoing treatment.

In a span of 17 days, Paul's death is the third that has shocked Wayanad.