A tragic incident unfolded in Kerala's Palakkad district as a 34-year-old cameraman, AV Mukesh, lost his life in a wild elephant attack while on duty for Mathrubhumi News. Mukesh was part of a team reporting on the movement of a strayed elephant herd in the Panamarakkad area near Kanjikode when the attack occurred.
As Mukesh and the reporter were capturing visuals of the elephants crossing a river, a tragic turn of events unfolded. While the reporter and the driver managed to escape to safety, Mukesh was unfortunately attacked and seriously injured by one of the elephants. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Mukesh succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a grieving family and colleagues.
Originally hailing from Parappanangadi in Malappuram district, Mukesh had been working with Mathrubhumi News in the Palakkad bureau for about a year. Before this, he had an illustrious career in the New Delhi bureau of the channel, showcasing his dedication and passion for journalism.
Beyond his work in broadcast journalism, Mukesh was also known for his impactful writing. Through his column "Athijeevanam" in Mathrubhumi online, he shed light on the lives of marginalized individuals, penning over 100 articles that drew attention to their struggles. His writing not only raised awareness but also prompted action, as Mukesh often provided financial assistance to those he featured in his column, demonstrating his compassion and commitment to social justice.
The untimely demise of Mukesh has deeply saddened the state, with condolences pouring in from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, and various ministers. Mukesh's passing serves as a stark reminder of the risks journalists often face in their pursuit of truth and highlights the invaluable contributions they make to society.
