CPM, BJP stage protests in Mundur after youth trampled to death by wild elephant

Palakkad: Tensions flared in Mundur a day after Alan, a native of Kairamkode in Palakkad, was killed by a wild elephant on Sunday. CPM workers took out a protest march to the District Forest Office (DFO) on Monday morning, criticising the department for failing to alert residents despite reported sightings of the elephant in the area. 

Alan was travelling on a two-wheeler with his mother when the animal attacked. Alan died on the way to the hospital, while his injured mother has been admitted to Thrissur Medical College Hospital.

BJP workers also marched to the DFO office. The police had erected barricades to prevent the march from reaching the office, leading to a minor clash between the police and protesters. Agitating BJP workers are now staging a sit-in in front of the DFO office, demanding immediate action and accountability.

Alan’s family had earlier refused to proceed with the postmortem, insisting that the government take responsibility for the medical expenses of his mother as well as pay ex-gratia to his next of kin immediately. The government agreed to the family’s demands, and the postmortem is scheduled to be completed before 12 pm, reported Manorama News.