In Siddapura, Kodagu, a 72-year-old woman named Kathayi was tragically killed by a wild elephant on Friday. The incident occurred in Chennayyanakote while Kathayi was traveling from her son’s house to another son’s residence. She was trampled to death on the spot, with the elephant fleeing into a nearby plantation afterward.
The death has deeply affected Kathayi’s family, who are mourning their loss. State wildlife board member Mariyanda Sanketh Poovaiah visited the site to offer condolences. Local residents have expressed frustration over the persistent presence of elephants in human habitations, accusing forest officials of inadequate measures to manage the situation.
Elephants have been reported to frequent the village and attack laborers in the plantations, exacerbating local concerns. The forest department has provided an initial compensation of Rs 5 lakh to Kathayi’s family, with additional compensation to follow. Virajpet DCF Jagannath and other officials also visited the area to assess the situation.
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