Kothamangalam: The United Democratic Front (UDF) to observe a hartal in Kothamangalam and Kuttampuzha on Tuesday, protesting the death of a man trampled by a wild elephant. 

Meanwhile, a rally will be held to the Kothamangalam Divisional Forest Office, demanding action to address wildlife threats in the area.

The victim, Eldhose, 45, of Knachery, was attacked while walking home Monday night after getting off a KSRTC bus. The incident happened around 8.45 pm, roughly half a kilometre from the Urulanthanni Forest Station. A man walking behind Eldhose witnessed the attack and alerted authorities.

Locals alleged that despite the known presence of wild elephants in the area, the forest department failed to take adequate preventive measures.
Protests erupted soon after news of Eldhose’s death spread. The situation calmed only after the district collector intervened and provided assurances. Villagers initially refused to allow the removal of the body, and the standoff lasted for about five hours. It concluded at 2 am following discussions with the collector.

An immediate financial aid of Rs 10 lakh will be provided to Eldhose's family. Meanwhile, the work on the 8-kilometer trenching project will begin on Tuesday. The work to install the solar fence will resume on 21 December. The collector also agreed to install street lamps in the area within five days.