Overview

• Satheesh and Ambika, members of a tribal community, were killed in a wild elephant attack Monday night while foraging for honey in Kerala's Vazhachal forest division.
• This marks the third fatal elephant attack in the area within 48 hours, with Sebastian, another tribal youth, killed the previous day.
• Kerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran has ordered an investigation and pledged financial aid to the victims' families, as public pressure mounts for a long-term solution.
• The United Democratic Front (UDF) has called for a hartal in Athirappilly, criticizing the state government for failing to address the escalating human-wildlife conflict.
• Local residents suspect a specific elephant, Manjakomban, may be responsible for the recent attacks, highlighting the urgent need for wildlife management strategies.