Mysuru: The 38-year-old elephant ‘Ashwathama’, known for participating in Dussehra celebrations, died on Tuesday after being electrocuted by a solar fence.
Ashwathama, hailing from the Bhimanakatte elephant camp in the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, was out in the forest in search of food when the incident occurred. According to Forest Department sources, the elephant received a fatal electric shock from an electric wire that had fallen onto the solar fence.
Captured in Sakaleshpur taluk of Hassan district in 2017, Ashwathama was known for its calm and solemn demeanor. After being brought to the Dussehra festivities in 2021, the elephant underwent extensive training, including walking exercises. It gained significant attention for its participation in the 2022 Dussehra, although it did not take part in the Jambusavari procession.
The untimely death of Ashwathama has left the forest department and wildlife enthusiasts mourning the loss of a gentle giant who had become a symbol of the region’s rich wildlife heritage.
