Kothamangalam Protest: Congress MLA, DCC President Detained

Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan and Ernakulam District Congress Committee president Mohammed Shiyas have been detained by police over alleged untoward incidents during a protest in Kothamangalam, Kerala, sparked by a surge in human-animal conflicts.

Kochi, March 4: Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan and Ernakulam District Congress Committee president Mohammed Shiyas have been detained by the police in connection with alleged untoward incidents during a protest in Kerala's Kothamangalam on Monday.

Surge in Human-Animal Conflicts Sparks Protest

The protest was triggered by the escalating human-animal conflicts in the state, particularly following the tragic death of an elderly woman in an elephant attack earlier on Monday in Idukki district.

Kuzhalnadan Confirms Arrest

Kuzhalnadan, who led the protest, confirmed his arrest and stated that both he and Shiyas were taken into custody from the protest venue in Kothamangalam. He mentioned that the arrest was made under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, and the Kerala Health Workers Act, some of which are non-bailable.

Senior Congress Leader Stages Sit-In Protest

Upon learning about the police action, senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala initiated a sit-in protest in Kothamangalam town. He expressed concern over the detention of Kuzhalnadan and Shiyas and alleged that Congress party workers were subjected to lathi charges by the police.

Protest Turns Tense

Earlier on Monday, Kothamangalam witnessed a significant protest led by Kuzhalnadan and Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose, joined by hundreds of local residents. The protesters refused to hand over the body of the elephant-attack victim, Indira Ramakrishnan, for post-mortem, leading to a tense situation.

Scuffle Breaks Out

A scuffle broke out between the police and the protesters, who chanted slogans demanding the police to leave. The body was reportedly forcibly taken from the mortuary for the protest, resulting in heated exchanges between the police and the leaders.

Elephant Attack Claims Life

The tragic incident occurred on Monday morning when a 70-year-old woman, Indira Ramakrishnan, fell victim to a wild elephant attack in the Kanjiraveli area under the Adimali police station limits. She was trampled by the elephant while serving breakfast for her husband in a rubber plantation near the forest area. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital in Kothamangalam, she succumbed to her injuries.

The arrest of Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan and Ernakulam District Congress Committee president Mohammed Shiyas, along with the escalating human-animal conflicts and the tragic loss of life, have brought attention to the pressing issue of human-wildlife interaction in Kerala. The incident highlights the need for effective measures to address these conflicts and ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.