Karnataka Man Narrowly Escapes Elephant Attack, Fined Rs 25,000 For Dangerous Selfie Stunt
In a shocking case of human recklessness around wildlife, a man from Nanjangud has been fined Rs 25,000 after attempting to take a selfie with a wild elephant near the Bandipur–Ooty road — a stunt that nearly ended in a tragedy.
The individual, identified as R Basavaraju, was caught on camera venturing dangerously close to the elephant near the Bankapur temple area in Bandipur. Video footage shows him positioning himself for a photograph when the elephant suddenly charges. Basavaraju escaped by a narrow margin, sprinting away before the animal could reach him.
According to forest officials, the incident occurred a few days ago and involved trespassing into a restricted forest zone. After the footage circulated online, personnel from Bandipur National Park tracked Basavaraju to his residence in Nanjangud. He was brought in, fined for his actions, and required to record a public video confession. In it, he admitted that his behaviour stemmed from ignorance about wildlife safety and appealed to others not to repeat his mistake.
A narrow escape! A tourist in Bandipur was nearly trampled by a wild elephant while trying to take a selfie. Video shows the elephant charging as the man tries to run. #Bandipur #WildlifeSafety pic.twitter.com/mf3Mw3MFPf — Harish Upadhya (@harishupadhya) August 11, 2025
'While returning from the temple, I went to take a selfie with an elephant and to have fun. The elephant attacked me and I was lucky to have escaped. But please, don't attempt such things. After that, I switched off my phone and went home. Even then, the forest officials found my home and arrested me, and now they have slapped a fine. Please, nobody should ever do such a thing. Also, don't park vehicles or give anything to any animals like monkeys or anything else. Don't get down even for five minutes in forest area," he said.
Wildlife experts warn that such acts not only put human lives at risk but also endanger animals by provoking unpredictable responses. 'Elephants are powerful and can become aggressive if they feel threatened. Approaching them for photos is extremely dangerous," said a Bandipur forest ranger.
Karnataka has witnessed several elephant-related tragedies in recent years. In June 2024, a farmer in Kodagu district lost his life after being trampled while attempting to chase an elephant away from his field. Earlier this year, in Chikmagalur, a villager was killed after unknowingly walking into the path of a lone tusker during the early hours.
Authorities continue to urge tourists and locals to maintain a safe distance from wildlife and respect forest boundaries to prevent such avoidable incidents.
view comments
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
MTNL's underground copper cable worth Rs 21 lakh stolen in Goregaon
The Goregaon police in Mumbai on Thursday registered a case against unidentified people after an underground copper cable belonging to the Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) worth Rs 21.60 lakh was stolen. Junaid Mohammad Khan, the MTNL deputy manager responsible for maintaining telephone and cyber lines in the Goregaon and Malad areas, stated in his police complaint that a mechanic working in the public sector company learnt during an inspection on Wednesday that the underground copper cable near Patkar College in Goregaon had been stolen. He then alerted Khan, who came to the spot with his colleague, according to the complaint. A preliminary investigation revealed that unknown people had stolen the underground copper cable, which had been laid nearly three decades ago. Khan reported the matter to his senior officers, who instructed him to file a police complaint. Acting on his complaint, the Goregaon police registered the FIR against unidentified people, said a police official. The police said they were conducting a thorough investigation and checking CCTV footage from the area to identify the accused. The cable's length is 360 m and is worth Rs 21.60 lakh, said a police officer. There are a few thieves in the station limits, said an officer of the Goregaon police station, adding that someone who was well aware of the copper cable's presence underground was likely behind the theft.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Raj Kundra offers kidney to Premanand Maharaj in Mathura, Shilpa Shetty left surprised
Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, recently visited Mathura, where they met spiritual leader Premanand Maharaj. A video from the visit, which has gone viral, shows Kundra emotionally offering one of his kidneys to the guru, who thanked him for the heartfelt gesture. Independence Day 2025 Modi signals new push for tech independence with local chips GST reforms by Diwali to cut daily-use taxes: PM Modi Terrorism, tech, more: PM's I-Day speech highlights In the clip, Shetty and Kundra listen intently as Premanand Maharaj reveals that both of his kidneys have failed, a condition he has lived with for the past ten years. Moved by this, Kundra made an unexpected offer, leaving Shetty visibly surprised. Kundra said, 'I've been following you for the past two years. I have no questions, because your videos always address any doubts or fears I might have. You are an inspiration to so many. I'm aware of your health condition, and if there's anything I can do to help, one of my kidneys is yours.' Premanand Maharaj replied, 'It is enough for me that you remain happy. Until the time comes, we do not leave this world over a kidney. But I wholeheartedly accept your goodwill.' During the visit, Shetty also inquired about the practice of chanting 'Radha', and the guru explained that it could help her overcome personal challenges. Live Events This video has emerged amid ongoing legal issues for Shetty and Kundra, who face serious allegations related to a financial dispute of Rs 60 crore. They are accused of allegedly defrauding businessman Deepak Kothari of over Rs 60 crore in a matter reportedly spanning from 2015 to 2023.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Boy killed in cylinder blast; CM announces Rs 5 lakh compensation
Bengaluru, Aug 15 (PTI) A 10-year-old boy died in a suspected cylinder blast here on Friday, police said. At least nine persons were injured in the incident. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced after visiting the blast spot and hospitals that Rs 5 lakh compensation will be given to the family of the deceased. 'And the medical expenses of those injured will be borne by the government," he added. The victim was identified as Mubarak. The incident happened at Chinnayanpalya of Wilson Garden, Central Bengaluru, a tightly packed predominantly residential neighbourhood where houses abut each other. After visiting the site, Siddaramaiah told the reporters that prima facie, a cylinder blast was the cause for the incident. 'There is no smell, but according to police and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike reports, a cylinder blast might have taken place," he said. He further said nine people were injured, and that Mubarak was declared dead at the Sanjay Gandhi Hospital. Offiials had earlier said 12 persons sustained injuries in the blast. The house where the blast occurred belongs to one Kasturamma, who is also admitted in hospital with burn injuries, added the CM. According to him, 13 houses have been damaged. 'I have instructed the BBMP Commissioner to get the houses repaired. If the house has collapsed completely, we will get them constructed," he added. Earlier, speaking to reporters, City Police Commissioner, Seemanth Kumar Singh said the house in which the blast occurred, was being rented by a three-member family. 'The man works as a labourer and had left for work early in the morning as usual. The mother and the child at home were injured. But the boy who died was in a neighbouring house," said Kumar. He said the police control room received the call around 8.30am. 'We immediately informed the Bomb Disposal Squad, Anti-Terrorism Squad, State Disaster Response Force, Fire Brigade as well as the local police," Singh added. 'We are clearing the houses that are damaged, investigation is on." It was too early to say what exactly caused the blast, said Kumar. PTI JR SA view comments First Published: August 15, 2025, 17:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
