Kerala Govt Grants Emergency Financial Aid to Family of Forest Watcher Shaiju Killed by Elephant

Mannarkadu: The Kerala government has approved ₹5 lakh as emergency financial assistance to the family of Shaiju, a temporary watcher at the Thiruvizhamkunnu Forest Station, who was killed while chasing away a wild elephant in Kottopadam.

The money was handed over to Shaiju’s mother Sharada by K. Vijayanand, Chief Conservator of Forest. Officials also announced that ₹10 lakh compensation will be provided to the dependents of the deceased. In addition, one member of the family will be given a job in the Forest Department.

Following the incident, leaders of various political parties urged senior officials of the Forest Department to take stronger measures to drive away wild elephants entering residential areas. The Chief Conservator of Forests said that if the animals are identified as a serious problem, steps could be taken to deploy trained kunki elephants to control them in forested areas. If necessary, the elephant could also be captured with special permission.

Leaders including U. T. Ramakrishnan, N. K. Narayanankutty, M. Manoj, and K. K. Rajan visited the spot. Officials noted that the Mannarkkad Forest Division records the highest number of elephant intrusions in the state, particularly within the limits of the Thiruvizhamkunnu Forest Station.

Final rites held

Shaiju was given a tearful farewell by colleagues, local residents and officials. His body was kept for public viewing at his residence in Pulikalady Unnati and later at the Mannarkkad forest division office, where many people paid their last respects.

The funeral was held at the crematorium in Karuvarakundu, his father’s native place. Forest officials, public representatives and political leaders attended the ceremony and paid tribute to the deceased forest watcher.