As the parliamentary election looms, the situation in Idukki remains tense with political and environmental concerns intersecting in the face of persistent human-elephant conflict in the region.
A hunger strike by Congress leader and Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose in Munnar seeking the capture of Padayappa, a wild tusker responsible for recent attacks on humans, was cut short on Thursday evening after the police shifted him to a hospital as his health deteriorated. The hunger strike was prompted by a tragic incident where an auto driver fell victim to a wild elephant attack on Monday night.
According to Congress leaders, Mr. Kuriakose has temporarily called off the hunger strike.
