Tamil Nadu Forest Minister K Rajakannappan has drawn sharp criticism for calling the leopard attack that killed a four-year-old girl a “usual” incident. The Minister’s comments have ignited widespread public outrage and political backlash, with many criticising him for being insensitive to the growing human-animal conflict issue in the state.
This comes after a leopard killed a four-year-old girl from her house in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore district. Her body was found in a mutilated condition inside a forest on Saturday. The deceased, identified as Roshni, daughter of migrant workers from Jharkhand, was playing near her home at the estate when the leopard attacked her in front of her mother.
While responding to the incident, the minister said, “Elephants and other animal attacks are usual. What is important is immediate action taken by the government and providing compensation. The Forest Department is taking action. These are day-to-day happenings. Government is not responsible for this.”
The statement has triggered strong reactions, with critics pointing out the casual tone in which the death of a child was addressed.
The minister’s claim that the government can’t be held accountable has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and wildlife activists. They argue that the state must ensure both human and animal safety through preventive measures and habitat management.
The Forest Department emphasised that they are closely monitoring the affected areas and have assured that they will take necessary actions to prevent future incidents.
Meanwhile, the government has reportedly disbursed compensation to the victim’s family, but concerns remain over the long-term strategy to address the growing threat posed by wild animals encroaching on human settlements.