Protest at Athirappilly in Kerala after fatal wild elephant attack

Tension gripped Athirappilly in Thrissur as residents launched a protest following the death of a man in a wild elephant attack here on Saturday. Local people blocked the Chalakudy–Anamalai interstate highway demanding immediate action to address the recurring human-wildlife conflict in the region.

The protest was triggered by the killing of Mohanan Pullerkattu, a local resident, in the elephant attack. Local people said such incidents have become frequent in the Athirappilly area and accused the authorities of failing to ensure the safety of people.

Raising slogans and staging a road blockade, the protesters demanded effective measures to prevent wild elephants and other animals from straying into human settlements. They pointed out that even solar-powered electric fencing installed to deter wildlife has proved ineffective.

“We need protection for our lives. The existing systems are clearly not working,” residents said, warning of intensified agitation in the coming days if immediate steps are not taken.

Local people also noted that Mr. Pullerkattu had been actively involved in protests against wildlife incursions and had participated in rescue efforts during earlier incidents in the area.