Rahul Gandhi visits residences of Ajeesh and Paul, promises to rebuild Paul's house

PADAMALA (WAYANAD): Rahul Gandhi on Sunday morning came to Wayanad to meet the family members of Ajeesh at Padamala's Panachi, who was killed by a wild elephant from the Karnataka forest. As the evening wore on, an announcement came from the Government of Karnataka regarding Rs 15 lakhs financial assistance to Ajeesh's family. Rahul reached Ajeesh's house around 7:30 in the morning and consoled his wife Sheeba, children Alna and Alan and other members of the family. Rahul assured that he will put pressure on the central and state governments to solve wildlife problem and will always be with him.

"Aji's children are brave. They will have the strength to survive. I had spoken with Karnataka government contacted regarding the capture of the elephant," Rahul said. Panachiyil Ajeesh, a farmer and social worker, was killed in a wild elephant attack in Payyampally's Chaligadda on February 10.

He later came to Paul's house in Pakkam's Vellachal, a temporary watcher on Kuruva Island, who was killed by another wild elephant. His wife Seena and daughter Sona cried in front of Rahul. Sona repeated her complaint that it was too late to get specialist treatment for her father. Rahul Gandhi promised to rebuild the house. He advised Sona to study and reach higher. The government took over the cost of Sona's education but promised to intervene if there was any shortage.