Elephant attacks claim three lives on Vishu; Hartal in Athirappilly today

CHALAKUDY: Three people died in wild elephant attacks during Vishu in Athirappilly panchayat within 24 hours. The three victims were tribals collecting forest resources. Sebastian (20) of Adichilthotti Unnati was the first victim, attacked while gathering honey. The second incident occurred at night in Vanchikadavu near Athirappilly waterfalls. Satheesh (35), son of Kannumani from Vazhachal Adivasi Unnati and Ambika (38), wife of Satheesh’s relative, were killed. They had celebrated Vishu Kani at home before venturing into the forest to collect forest resources with four others.

Satheesh and Ambika’s group built a temporary shelter in Vanchikadavu. One of the elephants charged and attacked Satheesh, who was sleeping on a rock. Ambika fell into the river after hitting her head while fleeing. Survivors Rama (Satheesh’s wife) and Ravi (Ambika’s husband) alerted authorities. Police and forest officials recovered the bodies for postmortem. The couple Satheesh and Rama had no children. Ambika left behind three children: Rajitha, Rajimol, and Dhanya.

Financial aid of Rs 10 lakh was announced for the victims’ families. Minister K. Rajan confirmed the assistance, with Rs 5 lakh disbursed immediately. The remaining amount will follow procedures. Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran ordered an investigation into the “unusual deaths.” An all-party hartal is underway in Athirappilly today to protest alleged forest department negligence.