Panur, Kannur: A shocking wild boar attack in Panur, Kannur, has left the local community reeling after Sreedharan, a 70-year-old farmer, was killed while working on his farmland on Sunday morning. The incident occurred at around 8 AM, and despite being rushed to the hospital with severe injuries, he succumbed to excessive blood loss.

Hours later, enraged locals tracked down the wild boar nearly 1.5 kilometers away from the attack site and beat to death. Witnesses claim that the boar charged at officials who were measuring land near the Priyadarshini Library, forcing the mob to chase and kill the animal on the spot.

The killing of the wild boar has reignited concerns over the alarming rise in human-wildlife conflicts in Kerala. According to official data, 57 people have died in animal attacks this financial year (2024-25), with 15 killed by elephants, 8 by wild boars, 1 by a tiger, 32 by snake bites, and 1 in a rare porcupine attack. In 2025 alone, 12 people have lost their lives to wildlife attacks, including six from elephant encounters.

Responding to the incident, Kerala Forest Minister A K Saseendran stated that the attack did not occur in a recognised conflict zone and that the area is not classified as a wildlife hotspot by the Forest Department. He confirmed that a report has been sought from the Northern Region Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) to investigate potential lapses by the Forest and Panchayat authorities.

Minister also emphasised that Panchayats in Kerala already have permission to cull wild boars, and an inquiry will be conducted into whether officials failed to act in time to prevent such attacks.