Kochi: In a tragic incident, a man was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Kothamangalam on Monday. The victim has been identified as Kodiyattu Eldhose (40), son of Kodiyattu Varghese. The incident occurred in the evening at Knachary, Urulanthanni, in Kuttampuzha panchayat. Local residents have protested, refusing to allow the body to be removed, and blocked the path of forest department officials and police who arrived at the scene.

The incident occurred when Eldhose and his friend alighted a bus at Knachary and were on their way home. There is a one-kilometre walk to Eldhose's house. As per reports, the elephant mauled Eldhose beyond recognition, and his internal organs were splattered on the road. His friend made a narrow escape.

Kuttampuzha panchayat member PP Joshy, speaking to Manorama News, blamed the forest department's negligent approach for the death, stating that residents had long been requesting the installation of proper fencing in the area. "We face the threat of death every day. All the wards in this panchayat are located on the edges of the forest, and wild animal threats are common here. Residents often use the area where the incident occurred, with around 60 families living here. Whenever we asked forest officials to investigate the presence of wild elephants in the area, they offered frivolous excuses, such as claiming there was no diesel in the jeep," Joshy said. He also mentioned that the existing fence in the area is damaged, and no repairs have been carried out so far.

Kuttampuzha panchayat president Kanthi Vellakayan stated that although lights had been installed in the area, they were damaged in a thunderstorm three months ago. Forest Minister AK Saseendran called the residents' protest only fair.  Speaking to Manorama News, he said: "The senior authorities have been instructed to submit a report on the incident without delay. The lackadaisical approach of the forest officials will also be investigated, and necessary action will be taken. The tender process for installing solar fencing in Urulanthanni had been completed. A probe will also be conducted into the delay in its implementation."

MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan, who reached the spot and spoke to residents, said a people's protest rally would be held at Kuttampuzha and Kothamangalam at 3 pm on Tuesday.