21-05-2025
Elephant kills labourer in Devarapura during Bedu festival
Madikeri: A wild elephant attacked and killed a labourer in Devarapura. Annaiah, 41, from Paisari in Devarakadu, died on the spot. The incident left the village community in shock and grief as the annual Bedu festival was going on in the village, shocking people.
Annaiah was walking along a secluded forest path towards a coffee plantation early in the morning. Upon encountering the elephant, he attempted to flee but was fatally attacked. Villagers near the temple, alerted by the elephant's sounds, discovered Annaiah's body lying on the ground, thrown by the wild elephant.
Forest officials from Thithimathi zone, including ACF Gopal and RFO Gangadhar, arrived at the location.
Their efforts to transport the body got complicated when another elephant threatened the people there, prompting them to take additional security measures. The traditional Ayappa Devara Bedu festival, scheduled from morning until May 22, had drawn thousands of visitors. The forest department had increased staff presence as a precautionary measure, and the large festival crowds have complicated efforts to control the elephant problem in the region.
Forest officials transported the dead body to Gonikoppal Government Hospital, where DFO Jagannath and station officer Dilip Kumar conducted an inspection. Dr Suresh performed an expedited postmortem examination, considering the ongoing festival, before releasing the body to Annaiah's family, including his surviving wife.
The dense forests of Devarakadu near Devarapura house numerous wild elephants that frequently venture into nearby coffee plantations and residential areas at night.
Early morning encounters between residents and elephants have resulted in casualties. A similar incident recently claimed a woman's life. Despite wide roads, workers often use narrow paths, increasing risk. The community is seeking permanent solutions from the forest department.
Following the successful capture and rehabilitation of a problematic elephant named Veda recently in this area, authorities planned to address the current situation. After consultation with MLA Ponnanna, steps will be taken to capture the troublesome elephant. Meanwhile, forest officials are working to protect residential areas have been instructed to support the affected families, and develop further strategies through emergency meetings, said Sanketh Poovaiah, member, Karnataka State Wildlife Board.
