Eight deaths in 8 months; operation to drive jumbos back into forest at Virajpet today
Virajpet: Human-elephant conflict continues to escalate in Kodagu, with a coffee estate worker killed and another seriously injured after a wild elephant attacked labourers near Maldare in Virajpet taluk yesterday.
The conflict has claimed eight lives in Kodagu so far this year. According to official records, one death each was reported in January, February, May and June, two each in July and August.
Of the eight deaths, seven were caused by wild elephant attacks. The death reported in May involved a captive elephant at the Dubare Elephant Camp, which fatally attacked a tourist.
The latest incident occurred at Ghattadalla Shilpi Coffee Estate. Gopal (44), a worker from West Bengal, was killed on the spot, while Jadav (26) sustained serious injuries.
He received first-aid at Siddapur Hospital and was later shifted to the Madikeri District Hospital, where he is receiving treatment in the ICU. He has suffered fractures to his leg and arm.
According to eyewitnesses, more than 10 workers were engaged in routine morning work when an elephant strayed from the forest edge and suddenly charged at them. While most of the workers managed to flee, Gopal was caught in the attack and killed. Jadav also sustained multiple injuries.
Workers’ anger
The incident triggered outrage among estate labourers, who accused the Forest Department of failing to find a permanent solution to the recurring elephant menace.
In protest, they initially refused to allow the body to be removed from the spot. The standoff was resolved only after the Police persuaded them to shift the body to the hospital.
Later, at Siddapur Hospital, residents and labour union leaders staged a road blockade and raised slogans against the Forest Department and the Government. They alleged that official negligence had allowed such incidents to recur, costing innocent lives.
Ban orders in 11 villages
Following the elephant attack, authorities have imposed prohibitory orders in 11 villages of Virajpet taluk today (Aug. 18), from 6 am to 10 pm, to maintain law and order during an ongoing operation to drive wild elephants back into the forest.
During this period, Forest Department personnel will monitor elephant movements and carry out operations to safely drive herds that have strayed into human settlements back into the forest.
The order prohibits religious fireworks, bursting of crackers, firing of weapons, processions and public events. The sale and consumption of alcohol have also been prohibited.
