Kozhikode: The Forest Department and Rapid Response Team (RRT) have intensified efforts to locate the gaur involved in the fatal attack on a man in Vilangad on the Kozhikode-Wayanad border.

Forest personnel and RRT teams are currently deployed in the area to track the animal, which has reportedly been straying near human settlements. Drones are also being used to get an aerial view and assist teams in locating the gaur.

An order has been issued for the animal involved in the attack to be shot with a tranquiliser once it is identified and located.

Man killed while helping forest officials

Sunil, 40, a native of Vayad Colony in Vilangad, was gored to death by a gaur on Saturday while he was with Forest Department officials attempting to drive a herd away from a residential area.

His body was brought home around 11pm on Saturday after an autopsy.

The incident took another tragic turn when Vijesh, a relative of Sunil, suffered a heart attack and died following the death of his cousin, police said.

Bodies not cremated

Residents have refused to cremate the bodies of Sunil and Vijesh until the authorities provide assurances over the presence of wild gaurs in the locality.

The residents are demanding Rs 25 lakh in compensation for Sunil's family. They have also called for action against the gaurs, alleging that the animals have become increasingly aggressive and continue to pose a threat to people in the area.

Residents also said the animals have damaged crops, including nearly two acres of cashew plantations.

Residents seek stronger action

A farmer told reporters that the gaurs had repeatedly entered the area and alleged that the response from officials had so far been limited to attempts to drive them away using firecrackers.

Residents want the authorities to take stronger measures to prevent the animals from entering residential areas.

MLA K M Abhijith said the gaur involved in Sunil's death needed to be identified before further action could be taken. He said discussions had been held with officials on Saturday night after the family and local residents raised their demands and concerns.

Compensation assurance

The MLA said the government would stand with the affected family and residents in addressing the situation.

He said the existing compensation for such deaths was Rs 14 lakh and that the first instalment of Rs 5 lakh would be provided to Sunil's family soon.

The latest Forest Department operation is focused on locating the animal. Teams on the ground, along with drones providing an aerial view, are searching the surrounding areas.

Earlier, the MLA had said a decision on shooting the gaur involved in the fatal attack would be taken by the government. The latest order permits the animal to be shot with a tranquiliser after it is located.