WAYANAD: The locals blocked Forest Minister A K Saseendran on the way when he came to visit the house of Radha, mauled to death by a tiger in Pancharakolly. The protests were in a big manner. The protest was when the minister's convoy reached 50 meters away from Radha's house. The locals protested with black flags in front of the pilot vehicle. The police forcibly removed them from the road to make way for the minister.

The locals asked why the minister, who had not visited her house even after three days of her death, has come now. The minister entered Radha's house with tight security. At this time, the locals were shouting outside.

Meantime, an order has been issued declaring the tiger that attacked and killed a woman in Pancharakollyi as a cannibal or a man eater. Since it is a cannibal, it can be shot and killed. This is the first time a tiger has been declared a cannibal in the state. Forest Minister A K Saseendran told media that this decision was taken after seeking legal advice in the context of continuous attacks.

‘A decision has now been taken to declare the tiger in Pancharakolly as a man-eating tiger. The high-level committee has taken an order to shoot it under suitable circumstances instead of trapping it in a cage or tranquilize the animal. The forest department should remove the undergrowth inside the forest. The plantation owners should remove the undergrowth related to the plantations. There is a lack of cameras in such areas. This problem will be resolved by February 1. Patrolling will be intensified in six panchayats as there is a possibility of such an incident,’ the minister said.