Mysuru: One person died on the spot and two others escaped unhurt after a wild elephant attacked three forest watchers who were on night watch near Solapur in the Taluk late on the night of Saturday December 31.
Mahadevaswamy (36), a resident of Metikuppe in the Taluk, died on the spot after being attacked by a wild elephant. Rajesh, another watcher who was with Mahadevaswamy, sustained minor injuries. The others escaped due to their presence of mind.
The Forest Department, through temporary employees, has been guarding the Metikuppe Forest Range of H.D. Kote Taluk of Nagarahole National Park to prevent wild elephants from destroying the crops of farmers at night. Mahadevaswamy of Metikuppe Village was appointed as a forest watcher 10 years ago. On Saturday night, two teams of three watchers were formed to guard the elephant at night.
Three members of a group were on guard on the late night of Saturday when a wild elephant suddenly struck them near Solapur on the fringes of the forest. While the two fled from the spot, Mahadevaswamy was attacked and died on the spot.
