Vilangad Gaur Attack: Man Gored to Death, Relative Dies of Heart Attack As Locals Refuse Cremation
In Vilangad, 40-year-old Sunil was gored to death by a wild gaur, prompting a relative to suffer a fatal heart attack. Residents have refused to cremate both bodies, demanding INR 25 lakh compensation and action against the animals. Officials added that the Forest Department has initiated efforts to drive the remaining gaurs from the area.
A 40-year-old man was gored to death by a wild gaur in Vilangad, Kozhikode, and his cousin subsequently died of a heart attack following the tragedy. In response, local residents have refused to cremate either body until the government provides concrete assurances to eliminate the wild animal threat in the area.
Fatal Attack and Secondary Tragedy
The incident occurred on Saturday, August 29, when Sunil, a native of Vayaad Colony in Vilangad, was assisting forest officials in driving a herd of gaurs out of a residential neighborhood, reports PTI. The animal suddenly charged, inflicting fatal injuries. Kerala Accident Video: 35 Injured, 4 Critical As Bus Attempting To Save Biker Overturns.
Sunil’s body was brought back to his home around 11:00 PM following an autopsy. The situation escalated further when his relative, Vijesh, suffered a fatal heart attack upon receiving the news.
Public Outrage and Demands
Angered by recurring wildlife incursions, family members and local residents resolved to withhold cremation rites for both men until the Forest Department takes decisive action against the straying animals. Demonstrators are demanding INR 25 lakh in compensation for Sunil's family. Locals report that wild gaurs have become increasingly aggressive, destroying crops and posing a constant threat to human lives.
"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.
Official Response and Interventions
Local representative MLA K M Abhijith stated that discussions were held with administrative and forest officials late Saturday night to address the community's grievances. He noted that identifying the specific animal involved in the attack is a prerequisite before further interventions can be implemented. "The government will stand with them to do whatever it takes to resolve these issues," he said. EPFO Payment August 2026: Over 4.4 Lakh Keralam Beneficiaries Get Pension Early for Onam.
Authorities announced that under existing regulations, INR 14 lakh is allocated as compensation for such incidents, with an initial installment of INR 5 lakh to be disbursed to the family soon. Officials added that the Forest Department has initiated efforts to drive the remaining gaurs from the area, and a policy decision regarding the animal responsible for the attack will be finalised by the government soon.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 30, 2026 03:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).