Malappuram, 11 Oct (H.S.):A 60-year-old woman was killed and three others were injured when a wild boar attacked people heading to a mosque at Othayi near Edavanna in Malappuram district early on Sunday.

The deceased was identified as Fathima of Parashuraman Kunnath in Kizhakke Chathallur. The attack occurred around 5 a.m., when people were making their way to the mosque for morning prayers.

Forest officials and other authorities reached the locality following the incident. The government announced that it would bear the entire cost of treatment for the three injured people.

Minister P.K. Basheer announced financial assistance of ₹14 lakh for Fathima’s family. He said ₹5 lakh from the Forest Department would be handed over to the family on Monday.

A Rapid Response Team would also be sent to the area, the minister said. The deployment forms part of the authorities’ immediate response to the fatal attack.

The incident adds to Kerala’s record of deaths and injuries involving wild animals, including attacks on people travelling along roads or carrying out everyday activities.

In March 2025, Sreedharan, a 70-year-old farmer, died after a wild boar attacked him at Muthiyanga in Kannur district while he was heading to his farmland. The government announced ₹10 lakh compensation for his family.

Earlier, in March 2024, Manoj, 47, of Kollam died during treatment after a wild boar struck his two-wheeler at Kadakkal, throwing him off the vehicle.

Other fatal encounters have involved tigers and elephants. Radha, a plantation worker, was killed by a tiger near Mananthavady in Wayanad on January 24, 2025. The following month, wild elephant attacks claimed the lives of Manu in Wayanad and Sophia Ismail in Idukki, triggering protests by residents demanding stronger protection. Those incidents underscored the dangers faced by communities living close to forests across the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman