In a tragic series of events highlighting the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in Kerala, two tribal individuals were killed in a wild elephant attack near Athirappilly in Thrissur district on April 14, 2025. The victims, identified as Satheesh (34) and Ambika (30), both from the Kadar tribal community, had been collecting honey in the forest when the incident occurred.
The attack took place around 7 PM near the Vanchikadavu area, close to the popular Athirappilly waterfalls. According to local reports, Satheesh and Ambika had set up a makeshift shelter in the forest and had been there for three days to gather forest produce. They were part of a group that included two other relatives, who managed to escape when the elephants charged.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the herd of elephants suddenly charged at the group, causing panic. While some fled in different directions, Satheesh and Ambika were at the front and were unable to escape. Their bodies were discovered the following day during a search operation conducted by forest officials and local authorities. Satheesh was found near a tree-top hut, while Ambika’s body was recovered from the Chalakudy river.
This incident marks the third fatal attack by wild elephants in the Athirappilly area within just 48 hours. Just a day earlier, on April 13, another tribal youth named Sebastian (20) was killed in a similar attack while he was returning home after collecting honey. The repeated incidents have raised alarms about the increasing human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Kerala's Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran has ordered an inquiry into the recent deaths, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of death. He described the incidents as “unusual deaths” and directed the Chief Wildlife Warden to conduct a detailed probe. “The cause of death must be conclusively established. Post-mortem arrangements have been made,” Saseendran stated.
The rise in wildlife attacks has sparked fear among local residents and tribal communities, who rely on the forest for their livelihoods. Over the past eight years, more than 180 people have lost their lives due to wildlife attacks in Kerala, with 12 fatalities recorded in 2024 alone. The recent attacks have prompted calls for urgent action from the government to address the escalating situation.
Local leaders, including Congress party officials, have expressed outrage over the government's handling of the situation. V.D. Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition, criticized the state for its inaction despite the increasing number of wildlife attacks. He called for immediate measures to ensure the safety of residents living near forest areas, arguing that the government must provide adequate protection to those who depend on forest resources.
“The government should take immediate steps to ensure special team surveillance at spots where elephants are straying frequently and to provide adequate protection to the people,” Satheesan urged. He further stated that the authorities must stop dismissing the issue by claiming that wildlife attacks occur only inside the forest, as many tribal individuals live and work in these areas according to the Forest Rights Act.
In response to the growing concern, the Kerala government is exploring various measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. These include the use of thermal drones, camera traps, and live CCTV cameras to monitor animal movement, as well as constructing physical barriers such as elephant-proof trenches and solar fencing. However, critics argue that these measures have yet to be effectively implemented.
The alarming frequency of wildlife attacks has left many residents feeling vulnerable and fearful. Just days before the recent fatalities, a 52-year-old man named Elamblassery Jimmy was injured in a wild elephant attack near his home in Vettilappara. Such incidents have underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to manage wildlife populations and protect local communities.
In light of the recent tragedies, local authorities are now prioritizing the safety of tribal families who reside near the forest. The remaining family members of Satheesh and Ambika have been relocated to safer areas as a precautionary measure. However, the long-term solution to the human-wildlife conflict remains a pressing issue that requires immediate attention from the state government.
The tragic deaths of Satheesh and Ambika serve as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who rely on the forests for their livelihoods. As the government grapples with the challenge of balancing wildlife conservation with the safety of local communities, the voices of residents and tribal leaders must be heard in the pursuit of sustainable solutions.
With the increasing threat of wildlife attacks, the Kerala government is under pressure to take decisive action to protect its citizens and ensure that such tragic incidents do not continue to occur in the future.
