This year, 18 people have been killed in wild animal attacks.
Credit: DH Photo
Two tribal people, including a woman who were suspected to be involved in a wild elephant attack, were killed in the forest areas of Athirapilly in Thrissur district of Kerala on Monday night.
On Sunday night, a tribal youth was killed in a wild elephant attack in the region. The back to back incidents have triggered strong protests with the Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front accusing the government of inaction to prevent man-animal conflicts.
Satheesh and Ambika of Sasthampoovam hamlet at Vazhachal were reportedly killed while they were collecting forest resources.
Local sources said that prima facie the two were killed in a wild elephant attack. But the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after a medical examination.
On Sunday, Sebastian (20), of Malakkapara near Athirappilly was trampled to death by a wild elephant while he went to the forest to collect honey.
This year, 18 people have been killed in wild animal attacks until now.
Opposition leader V D Satheesan said that instead of taking effective steps to address man-animal conflicts the state government used to justify that the incidents were taking place within forest areas.
The government is bound to ensure protection of tribal people who are authorised to enter forest areas for collecting forest resources.