Wayanad: Minister for Forests and Wildlife Protection, AK Saseendran, on Sunday visited the family of Radha (45), a tribal woman from Meenmutty who was killed by a tiger at Pancharakolly, Mananthavady. The visit, however, was marred by strong protests from locals angered by the government’s delay in addressing the threat posed by the man-eater tiger in the region. Radha was attacked on January 24 while taking a forest shortcut to a nearby plantation where she was employed to harvest beans.  

Despite tight police security, protestors staged a sit-in, blocking the minister’s vehicle for over an hour. They demanded that the minister retract his earlier statements suggesting that Radha was attacked while she was inside the forest and that the protest was politically motivated. According to the Chief Wildlife Warden’s report, the attack occurred within the forest range but only 100 meters from nearby human habitation. 

The incident has heightened tensions in the area, with locals expressing frustration over the prolonged efforts to neutralise the tiger. Many demanded that the animal be shot dead instead of captured, citing fears of stepping out even for medical emergencies. Prohibitory orders remain in place across four divisions in the Mananthavady municipality until January 27.  

Meanwhile, following a high-level meeting at Mananthavady, Saseendran announced that an order to shoot and kill the tiger would be issued soon. The minister, during his visit to the family, also presented an official order, signed by North Wayanad Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Martin Lowell, appointing Radha’s son, MR Anil, as a temporary officer in the Begur Range under the North Wayanad Division of the Kerala Forest Department. Former Kalpetta MLA CK Saseendran accompanied the minister. 

The decision considered various factors, including an attack on a Rapid Response Team (RRT) member during the ongoing search operations on Sunday. The minister also emphasised the need for amendments to forest laws to address human-wildlife conflicts better and ensure public safety.  

Preventive measures and surveillance
To mitigate future threats, orders have been issued to clear the undergrowth in abandoned plantations. Plantation owners failing to comply will face strict action. Local authorities have also been directed to undertake similar efforts.  

Additionally, the district will receive 100 of the 400 AI cameras being installed across Kerala’s wildlife-prone zones by March 31. These cameras aim to enhance surveillance and prevent further incidents.  

District Collector DR Meghasree and District Police Chief Taposh Basumatari joined the minister in the press conference, outlining measures to ensure the safety of residents and expedite the resolution of the crisis.