Madikeri: Two brothers injured in wild elephant attack

Team Udayavani, Jan 3, 2025, 8:15 PM IST

Madikeri: Two brothers were injured in a wild elephant attack near Halligattu village, close to Ponnampet in South Kodagu, on Friday morning.

The injured, identified as Mohammad Faizan and Abur Uwais, were travelling on a bike when the tusker suddenly attacked them. The brothers suffered serious injuries after falling off the bike during the incident. They were initially provided first aid and later shifted to the district hospital in Madikeri for further treatment.

The attack highlights the persistent issue of wild elephant encounters in Kodagu, which has plagued the district for over two decades. Villages near the Nagarahole forest border in South Kodagu are particularly affected, with residents losing both lives and crops to these attacks.

Hundreds of wild elephants have made coffee estates in the region their habitat. Despite multiple efforts by the forest department to drive them back into the forest, the elephants frequently return, leaving the problem unresolved.

Assurance of Action

State Wildlife Board Member Sanketh Poovaiah visited the hospital to console the injured brothers and assured them of necessary action. He said that efforts are underway to relocate elephants that have been causing repeated damage to lives and crops.

He further said that Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has directed officials to identify suitable locations for rehabilitating elephants in affected districts, including Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan. It may take two to three years to implement a permanent solution to the problem, he added.