Malappuram: The Kerala government on Monday handed over Rs 5 lakh as the initial instalment of compensation to the family of a tribal man who was fatally trampled by a wild elephant near Nilambur, Malappuram. The total compensation announced by the Wildlife Department is Rs 10 lakh.

Forest Minister A K Saseendran and other officials visited the victim’s family at their hamlet deep within the forest. He handed over the financial assistance to Mani’s daughter, Meera, and his brother, Ayyappan, at the Kannikkai settlement. The minister assured them of continued support from the government and the Forest Department.

The incident occurred on Saturday evening in the Poochappara settlement within the Karulai forest range. Mani, a 37-year-old member of the Cholanaikkan community, was returning to his hamlet with a group after dropping his children at a tribal hostel. Tragically, he was attacked by a wild elephant, while the others in the group, including his five-year-old child, managed to escape unhurt.

Upon hearing of the attack, Mani’s brother rushed to the scene and carried him over 1.5 kilometres through the forest to an area accessible by vehicles. Despite being taken to the Nilambur Government Hospital, Mani succumbed to his injuries.