Kodagu: In yet another case of man-animal conflict, a tusker trampled a labourer to death in Vaddarakad Estate near Pollibetta in Kodagu district.
Cheluva, aged 42, an estate labourer is the deceased.
Five people were travelling in a tractor and were on the way to collect coffee bags. The tusker emerged from nowhere and all including the driver started running helter-skelter to escape from the tusker’s fury. Unfortunately Cheluva failed in his attempt and was attacked by the tusker. Cheluva, who suffered head and body injuries in the incident died on the spot.
Forest department officials along with Siddapur police sub-inspector rushed to the spot and registered a case.
An amount of Rs 2 Lakh by cheque was paid immediately to the family of the deceased as interim relief.
Many wild tuskers have camped in and around Vaddarakad and Beetikad estates endangering human lives, especially those of labourers working in estates. The villagers urged the forest department officials to drive them back into reserve forests to protect human lives and property.
