Tribal Man Killed in Fatal Tiger Encounter
A tragic incident unfolded in the forests of Wayanad on Saturday, where a 60-year-old man lost his life after being attacked by a tiger. The victim has been identified as Maran, a resident of a tribal settlement located within the limits of the Vandikkadavu forest station.
Details of the Fatal Incident
According to police reports, Maran had ventured into the forest along with his sister to gather firewood. The attack occurred near the Kannarampuzha river, an area close to the sensitive Kerala-Karnataka border. The tiger reportedly ambushed Maran, dragging him deeper into the dense woodland.
Alerted by residents, forest officials swiftly launched a search and rescue operation. The team managed to trace the injured man at approximately 2:30 pm. However, despite efforts to save him, Maran succumbed to his injuries while being transported out of the forest for medical treatment.
Community Anger and Official Response
The fatal attack has ignited fear and anger among local communities. Residents staged a protest at the forest office, highlighting the increasing frequency of such dangerous encounters. They cited the recent killing of cattle in wild animal attacks as evidence of a growing threat to their lives and livelihoods.
In the aftermath, the Pulpally police have initiated procedures to register a formal case. Officials stated they will record statements from Maran's relatives before proceeding. The body will be handed over to the grieving family following a mandatory post-mortem examination.
This incident underscores the persistent and escalating challenge of human-wildlife conflict in regions bordering forest reserves, raising urgent questions about safety protocols and mitigation strategies.
