Retired Estate Worker Killed in Elephant Attack near Pollibetta in Kodagu

The deceased, identified as R Selvam alias Chella Mestri (65), was a native of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Image used for representation purpose only

VIRAJPET: A retired estate worker was killed in an elephant attack near Pollibetta in Virajpet taluk of Kodagu district on Thursday morning, highlighting the growing concern over human-wildlife conflict in the region.

The deceased, identified as R Selvam alias Chella Mestri (65), was a native of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. He had worked as a righter in a local coffee estate before retiring. On Thursday, while on his routine morning walk around 6:30 a.m. in the Emmegundi estate area, Selvam was fatally attacked by a wild elephant.

Forest officials said a herd of six elephants had been spotted in the area, and the Forest Department had issued an SMS alert to local residents. The attack is believed to have been carried out by a female elephant that was being protective of its calf. Selvam suffered serious injuries and died on the spot.

Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Jagannath said that teams have been deployed to monitor and drive the herd back into the forest. “The elephant that attacked the victim was likely acting defensively. We are taking all necessary measures to prevent further incidents,” he said.

Residents have raised concerns about the frequency of elephant sightings in estates and nearby villages. The Forest Department has urged the public to remain cautious and avoid areas with known elephant activity, especially during early mornings and late evenings.

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