Peerumedu: Police have confirmed that Seetha (42), a native of Thottapura, died in a wild elephant attack at Meenmutty forest on June 13.

A report submitted to the court confirmed that the injuries matched those from an elephant attack. Initially, suspicion arose when the forensic surgeon who conducted the post-mortem examination expressed doubts about the cause of death. This led to her husband, Binu, coming under scrutiny. The Forest Department also supported these doubts, causing distress to the family.

However, the police report states that neck injuries occurred while Binu was carrying the gravely injured Seetha from the attack site. It also adds that both Binu and his children consistently told investigators that the elephant hurled Seetha with its trunk.

Although the Forest Department provides ₹10 lakh compensation for deaths caused by wild animals, Seetha’s family has received nothing. A range officer had arrived with a cheque for ₹5 lakh, but withheld it after doubts emerged about the cause of death.

Plakkathadam Ooru (tribal settlement) head K K Raghavan said they will approach the court to secure the compensation owed to the family.