Karnataka man briefly detained, fined Rs 25,000 for trying to click selfie with elephant in Bandipur reserve
According to forest department officers, R Basavaraj, a resident of Nanjangud, was attacked by the wild elephant on NH 67 at around 5.30 pm on Sunday. He escaped with minor injuries though the elephant chased him for a distance and is also seen stomping on him in a video that soon went viral. The incident briefly affected traffic on the stretch.
Forest officers soon launched a search for Basavaraj and took him into custody from his residence on Monday. S Prabhakaran, Deputy Conservator of Forests and Director of Bandipur Tiger Reserve, said that on being questioned, he admitted to having flouted the reserve's rules.
In a video recorded subsequently, Basavaraj is seen issuing a warning to other tourists. 'I was returning from Bankapura temple when I spotted the elephant on the highway. I went near the animal and was trying to take a selfie when it chased and attacked me. No one should be involved in such acts. Don't stop vehicles on highways that pass through forests. Do not get down to attend nature's call. Do not offer food to wild animals,' he said.
On learning about the incident, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre directed officers to deploy patrol vehicles on highways similar to the patrolling system inside the forest. Stern action should be taken against those who violate norms by offering food to wild animals, disembarking from vehicles, speeding on such stretches, and driving negligently, he stated.
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