72-Year-Old Woman Trampled to Death by Wild Elephant in Kodagu

Siddapura: A tragic incident unfolded in Chennayyanakote, Siddapura, Kodagu, on Friday, where a 72-year-old woman was trampled to death by a wild elephant. The victim, identified as Kathayi, was en route to one of her sons' houses from another son, Nagaraju's residence, when the attack occurred. The elderly woman sustained severe injuries and succumbed to them on the spot. Following the fatal encounter, the elephant retreated into a nearby plantation.

Kathayi's death has left her family devastated, and they were seen inconsolable at the scene. State Wildlife Board member Mariyanda Sanketh Poovaiah visited the site of the incident to offer his condolences and support to the grieving family.

The tragic death has sparked outrage among local residents, who have voiced their frustration and concerns over the increasing presence of wild elephants in human settlements. According to the locals, elephants have been roaming freely in Chennayyanakote, posing a significant threat to the safety of the villagers. They alleged that the forest officials have not taken adequate measures to drive the elephants away, resulting in frequent incidents where herds of elephants invade the village and attack plantation laborers.

The residents are demanding that the forest department take immediate action to find a permanent solution to the growing elephant menace in the region. The lack of effective measures has left the community feeling vulnerable and neglected, heightening the tensions between the villagers and the forest department.

In response to the incident, the forest department provided an initial compensation of Rs. 5 lakh to Kathayi's family. Officials have assured that the remaining compensation will be disbursed shortly. Virajpet Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Jagannath, along with other officials, visited the spot to assess the situation and offer support.

The tragic incident underscores the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in Kodagu, where the encroachment of wild animals into human habitats continues to pose a significant risk to the lives and livelihoods of the residents. The community's plea for a lasting solution highlights the urgent need for authorities to address the issue before more lives are lost.

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