Gaur Attack Turns Tragic in Kerala, Residents Refuse to Cremate Bodies

Tension prevailed in Vilangad after a 40-year-old man was gored to death by a gaur, while a relative died of a heart attack following the incident, prompting residents to refuse to cremate either body until the government assures action against the wild animal menace.

Sunil, a resident of Vayaad Colony, was killed on Saturday while accompanying forest officials who were attempting to drive a herd of gaurs away from a residential area. His body was taken home around 11 pm after an autopsy.

The situation turned more tragic when Vijesh, a relative of Sunil, suffered a heart attack and died after learning of his cousin’s death, police said.

Residents have now decided to withhold the cremation of both bodies until the Forest Department provides assurances that gaurs frequently entering the locality will be removed. They are also demanding Rs 25 lakh in compensation for Sunil’s family.

Locals said the gaurs have become increasingly aggressive and are posing a serious threat to residents while damaging agricultural land. Farmers alleged that the animals recently destroyed nearly two acres of cashew plantations. They also criticised the authorities for relying mainly on firecrackers to drive the animals away.

Residents have demanded that the gaurs be shot to prevent further attacks, saying the animals remain in nearby areas.

MLA K M Abhijith said the gaur involved in Sunil’s death must first be identified before further action can be taken. He said discussions were held with officials on Saturday night and assured residents that the government would stand with the affected families.

Abhijith said the existing compensation for such deaths was Rs 14 lakh, with the first instalment of Rs 5 lakh expected to be released soon. He added that the Forest Department had initiated efforts to drive the gaurs away and that the government would soon decide on action against the animal involved in the fatal attack.