3 days ago
Gaur Attack Kills Man; Relative Dies as Residents Demand Action
A wild gaur attacked and killed a man named Sunil in Vilangad.
Sunil had been helping forest workers move a herd away from homes.
After Sunil died, his relative Vijesh suffered a heart attack and also died.
People in the area are worried because gaurs are still nearby.
They say the animals have damaged crops and may hurt more people.
The residents want the government to remove the danger and give Sunil’s family Rs 25 lakh.
A local lawmaker said the official compensation is Rs 14 lakh, with Rs 5 lakh to be paid first.
The government is also deciding what to do about the gaur involved in the attack.
Sunil, 40, was gored to death by a gaur in Vilangad, Kozhikode, while helping forest officials drive away a herd.
His relative Vijesh died of a heart attack after Sunil’s body was brought home.
Residents are refusing to cremate either body until authorities promise action against gaurs entering the locality.
Residents seek Rs 25 lakh for Sunil’s family and want aggressive gaurs shot, citing crop damage and safety concerns.
MLA K M Abhijith said compensation of Rs 14 lakh is available, with a first instalment of Rs 5 lakh, while the government considers further action.
- Who
- Sunil, 40, was killed by a gaur; his relative Vijesh later died of a heart attack. Residents, forest officials, and MLA K M Abhijith are involved in the response.
- What
- A gaur attack killed Sunil, while a relative died afterward; residents are withholding cremations and demanding government action against wandering gaurs.
- Where
- Vilangad in Kozhikode district, including Vayaad Colony and surrounding areas.
- When
- The attack occurred on Saturday, and Sunil’s body was brought home around 11 p.m. that night; the police described the developments on Sunday.
- Why
- Residents say gaurs have become aggressive, damaged crops, and continue to threaten people in the locality.
Residents’ Demands
Government and Official Response
How to address the gaurs
Residents’ Demands
Residents want the gaurs eliminated and say aggressive animals should be shot because they pose a serious threat to people.
Government and Official Response
MLA K M Abhijith said the specific gaur involved must first be identified and that the government would decide whether it should be shot.
Compensation for Sunil’s family
Residents’ Demands
Residents are demanding Rs 25 lakh for Sunil’s family.
Government and Official Response
The MLA said the available compensation is Rs 14 lakh, with a first instalment of Rs 5 lakh to be provided soon.
Forest Department response
Residents’ Demands
Residents said officials mainly arrive with a couple of firecrackers and have not adequately addressed the danger or crop damage.
Government and Official Response
Officials said the Forest Department had taken steps to drive the gaurs from the area, while the MLA said the government would work to resolve the concerns.
Key facts
- Victim
- Sunil, 40, a native of Vayaad Colony
- Attack
- Sunil was gored to death while helping forest officials drive away a gaur herd
- Second death
- Relative Vijesh died of a heart attack following Sunil’s death
- Resident demand
- Residents are seeking Rs 25 lakh in compensation for Sunil’s family
- Official compensation
- MLA K M Abhijith said Rs 14 lakh is currently provided in such cases
- Immediate payment
- The first compensation instalment of Rs 5 lakh was expected to be given soon
- Crop damage
- Residents said gaurs had destroyed nearly two acres of cashew plantations
Quotes
A local farmer
A farmer who described crop damage and criticized the official response
“The gaurs came down and have destroyed nearly two acres of cashew plantations recently. What forest officials do is show up with a couple of firecrackers. The government has money for everything else, but no funds for this issue alone.”
deccanchronicle.com
K M Abhijith
The local MLA who discussed compensation and action against the gaur
“The government will stand with them to do whatever it takes to resolve these issues.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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