Mangaluru: A scooter rider sustained a leg injury after being struck by shrapnel from a bullet fired into the air by forest department personnel while attempting to drive away a wild elephant at Bengamale in Aivarnadu village. The incident occurred on the night of August 12 and came to light later.
The injured, A Raghava Prabhu, a resident of Yenadka in Peruvaje village, is undergoing treatment as an inpatient at a hospital in Sullia. Forest department officials have assured that his medical expenses will be borne by the department.
Rider caught in sudden firing
According to Prabhu, he was returning home after completing bank-related work at around 7.30 pm on August 12 when he spotted a wild elephant crossing the road at Bengamale.
He immediately turned his scooter towards Sullia. At that moment, shrapnel from a bullet fired by forest personnel at the scene to drive away the elephant struck his leg.
Prabhu said he showed his injury to the personnel present at the spot, but alleged that they dismissed it as minor and asked him to leave.
Surgery removes shrapnel from leg
As the pain worsened the following day, Prabhu was admitted to a hospital in Sullia. Doctors subsequently performed surgery and successfully removed the shrapnel from his leg.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of motorists and other members of the public when forest personnel use firing to drive away wild animals near roads.
Prabhu seeks warning for motorists
Prabhu said forest department personnel should have warned the public before opening fire while attempting to chase away the elephant.
He also suggested that traffic on both sides of the road could have been temporarily stopped during the operation, potentially preventing the incident.
The forest department has assured that his treatment expenses will be covered.