Wild elephant attack: Massive protest in Wayanad, locals stage protest by carrying Paul's dead body for four and half hours

PULPALLY: A massive protest took place in Wayanad after people took to the streets demanding a permanent solution to the problem of wild animal attacks. Clashes broke out after the protesters shouted at the MLAs in Pulpally and attacked a Forest Department official and vehicle. They also protested by throwing stones, bottles and chairs. Although the police resorted to lathi-charge thrice, the crowd did not disperse. There was a lot of anger against the Forest Department.

The locals demonstrated a protest by carrying the dead body of Forest Department temporary watcher VP Paul, who was killed by a wild elephant on Friday, for four and a half hours. After conducting a postmortem at Kozhikode Medical College, the body was brought to Pulpally by 9.40 am on Saturday. As the ambulance reached the Pulpally bus stand, locals stopped it and started protesting. They raised demands such as Rs 50 lakh compensation to Paul's family, a job for his dependent, children's education, and waiver of loan. The protesters then surrounded the jeep of the Forest Department and manhandled Deputy Range Officer Shaji. Shaji was kicked on his chest. The protesters deflated the jeep's tyres and tore the roof. They also placed a wreath on the jeep.

In the meantime, a group carrying the body of a cow killed by a tiger reached the spot. They then placed the cow's body on the bonnet of the forest department jeep. Although the MLAs urged that there was bleeding in Paul's body and that the funeral must be conducted soon, the protesters did not back down. Some people were injured in the police lathi charge. Some policemen also sustained injuries. By 1.30, Paul's body was taken to his home in Pakkam. The crowd finally dispersed by around 2.30 pm. When Paul's dead body was brought to his home, his relatives were not ready to accept the body. They demanded the order regarding the understanding reached on the compensation for the family. By 3.20 pm, Wayanad ADM K Devaki the house with the order. Following this, the funeral was held at Pulpally St George Church.

Protest against MLAs
The public strongly protested against Congress MLAs T Siddique and IC Balakrishnan, who were present there. While some booed at the MLAs, some threw chairs and bottles at them. As the protest intensified, the police shifted the MLAs to a safe place. No representatives of the ruling party had reached the spot.

Family did not accept cheque for five lakhs
In the discussion led by ADM, CCF and MLAs, it was decided to give financial assistance of Rs 50 lakh to Paul's family. It was decided to pay 10 lakhs immediately. Paul's wife will be given a job in ten days. The government will look after the education of Paul's daughter. Although the ADM gave a cheque for five lakh rupees contrary to the decision, Paul's family did not accept it. Following this, the family was assured that Rs 10 lakhs would be handed over on Sunday.