Wayanad: A 47-year-old woman was killed in a tiger attack on Friday morning while plucking coffee at Priyadarshini Estate in Mananthavady village, sparking widespread protests in the region. 

Radha, the wife of a temporary watcher with the Kerala Forest Department, was attacked around 8:30 am. The victim was a relative of Indian women's cricket team member Minnu Mani.  

In an emotional post shared on Facebook, Minnu Mani wrote, "This is extremely shocking news that I just came across. The person who lost their life in the tiger attack in Pancharakolly, Wayanad, is my uncle’s wife. I hope the authorities will capture the aggressive tiger as soon as possible and ensure the safety of the lives and property of the people in the area. May her soul rest in peace." 

The incident comes just a day after Kerala Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran told the state assembly that human-animal conflicts were declining and that the government was taking effective measures to address the issue. Following the attack, Minister Saseendran stated that orders have been issued to either capture or eliminate the tiger.  

Adding to the tensions, O.R. Kelu, Minister for the Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes, arrived at the scene to address the concerns of protestors demanding swift action.  

The tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife conflict in Kerala, with locals urging authorities to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of residents in affected areas.