Kozhikode: A man was gored to death by a wild gaur in Kozhikode district, and a close relative collapsed and died of a heart attack shortly after, sparking intense local protests and a boycott of their funerals until authorities address the escalating human-wildlife conflict.

The victim, 40-year-old Sunil of Vayaad Colony in Vilangad, was fatally attacked by a gaur on Saturday while assisting forest officials in driving a herd away from a residential area. His body was returned home around 11 pm following an autopsy.

Tragedy compounded later that evening when Sunil's cousin, Vijesh, suffered a fatal heart attack following the news of his death.

Angered by recurring wild animal intrusions, local residents refused to cremate either body, demanding that the forest department eliminate the aggressive gaurs in the area and provide Rs 25 lakh in compensation to Sunil's family.

Farmers in the region reported widespread crop damage and criticised the government's response to the menace.

"The gaurs came down and have destroyed nearly two acres of cashew plantations recently. What forest officials do is show up with a couple of firecrackers. The government has money for everything else, but no funds for this issue alone," a farmer told reporters.

Responding to the crisis, MLA K M Abhijith stated that discussions had been held with officials on Saturday night and that the specific gaur involved in the attack had to be identified before further action could be taken.

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"The government will stand with them to do whatever it takes to resolve these issues," he said.

The MLA said Rs 14 lakh was currently provided as compensation in such cases and the first instalment of Rs five lakh would be given to the family soon. He added that the Forest Department had taken the initiative to drive the gaurs from the area and a decision regarding the shooting of the animal involved in Sunil's death would be taken by the government soon. (PTI)