KPCC announces ex-gratia for Ajeesh’s family after Karnataka govt aid turns controversial

Kalpetta: KPCC announced Rs 15 lakhs as ex-gratia for the family of Ajeesh who was killed in a wild elephant attack after the relief fund announced by the Karnataka government turned into a political controversy. BJP, the opposition in Karnataka, had questioned the sanctioning of Rs 15 lakh to the family. Instead, Rahul Gandhi instructed KPCC to offer this amount so as to not put the Karnataka government in jeopardy with the BJP there ready to move legally against this motion.

KPCC president K Sudhakaran announced the ex-gratia after receiving instructions on Tuesday. Reports indicate that Sudhakaran himself will visit the family and hand over the amount after the completion of the Samaragni march on February 29. 

Ajeesh was trampled to death on the courtyard of his house by the rogue wild tusker Belur Makhana, which was released on the Kerala-Karnataka border with a radio collar. After visiting Ajeesh’s house, Rahul Gandhi had written to the Karnataka government and announced the assistance. 

However, the BJP opposed this saying such a payment to appease Rahul Gandhi will not be allowed. This created a huge political controversy. Speaking to the media on Monday. Ajeesh’s father had said that they are humbly rejecting Karnataka’s aid. It is after this that the assistance announcement was made by K Sudhakaran in a press conference the very next day. He commented on BJP’s inhuman approach and promised Congress’ support to the family in their troubled times.