Sullia: A 17-year-old student was killed in a wild elephant attack at Bettattur village in Madikeri taluk, a border area of Kodagu district, on February 28, triggering widespread anger among residents over alleged inaction by authorities.
The deceased has been identified as Pooja (17), daughter of Girish from Bettattur village. She was a First PUC student at St. Joseph’s College. According to sources, the incident occurred around 5.30 pm when she had returned home by bus and was walking towards her house after alighting near her residence.
It is learnt that a wild elephant, which had reportedly strayed close to human habitation, suddenly attacked her. She sustained severe injuries in the assault and died on the spot before help could arrive.
Body shifted for post-mortem
Following the incident, local residents rushed to the spot and alerted authorities. The body was later shifted to the government hospital in Madikeri for post-mortem examination. Police and Forest Department officials visited the scene and initiated preliminary inquiries.
Family members and villagers were inconsolable as news of the young student’s death spread through the area. Pooja was described by neighbours as a bright and soft-spoken girl with aspirations of continuing her education.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted the growing human-wildlife conflict in the border regions of Kodagu district, where elephant movement near residential areas has been reported frequently.
Villagers express anger
Soon after the incident, villagers gathered in large numbers and expressed strong resentment against the Forest Department, alleging negligence and failure to act despite repeated warnings. Residents claimed that several lives have been lost in elephant attacks in the region over the past few years.
Locals alleged that they had repeatedly informed officials about the increasing movement of wild elephants in and around Bettattur and neighbouring villages. However, they said no effective long-term measures were taken to prevent the animals from entering human settlements.
Some villagers accused the authorities of responding only after fatalities occur, rather than adopting preventive strategies such as installing barriers, improving early warning systems, and deploying rapid response teams.
Demand for immediate action
The death of the young student has plunged the village into deep sorrow. Grieving residents demanded immediate steps to prevent further tragedies, including intensified patrolling, use of elephant tracking technology, and better coordination between departments.
Community leaders have also called for adequate compensation to the bereaved family and long-term measures to address the recurring issue of elephant intrusions. They stressed that students and daily wage workers are particularly vulnerable, as they often have to walk through isolated stretches.
Forest Department officials stated that they are monitoring elephant movement in the region and have initiated measures to drive the animal back into forest areas. They also assured that necessary assistance would be provided to the victim’s family as per government norms.
The incident underscores the urgent need for a balanced approach to wildlife conservation and human safety. As Bettattur mourns the loss of a young life, residents hope that concrete and sustained action will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.