Sringeri Bandh Over Elephant Attacks Sees Massive Shutdown, Political Clashes
The Sringeri bandh, called by various farmers' associations to protest against escalating elephant attacks, received an overwhelming response on Monday, bringing normal life to a standstill across multiple regions. The shutdown was observed in Koppa, NR Pura, and Kandya Hobli, all of which fall under the Sringeri constituency in Chikkamagaluru district.
Widespread Support and Rural Participation
Farmers, traders, autorickshaw organizations, and numerous other groups supported the bandh by voluntarily staying away from business activities for the entire day. Not only urban centers but also rural areas participated extensively, demonstrating the deep-seated frustration with the ongoing human-wildlife conflict. The wild elephant problem has become rampant in this region, with official statistics revealing that a total of 13 people have lost their lives due to wild animal attacks in just one year.
Despite authorities capturing nine elephants in attempts to prevent further conflict, the problem persists unabated, fueling public anger and demands for more effective solutions.
Massive Protest and Political Accusations
A massive protest rally was held at Balehonnur, drawing large crowds of political party functionaries, planters, and local residents. Participants strongly condemned Sringeri MLA TD Rajegowda of the Congress party and local police officials for what they described as "treating protesters badly" and resorting to lathicharge during a previous protest. This earlier demonstration occurred in the aftermath of a farm laborer's tragic death caused by a wild elephant.
Vishwanath Gaddemane, president of the Sringeri Kshetra Raita Okkutta, accused the MLA and district administration of failing to respond appropriately to farmers' concerns. "What occurred yesterday was a conflict between the farmers and the government. Now, to cover up their failure, the MLA irresponsibly stated that it was a clash between two factions of the BJP," he stated emphatically.
Escalating Tensions and Legal Action
Former minister DN Jeevaraj joined the criticism, blaming the MLA directly and alleging that police resorted to lathicharge in the MLA's presence. Jeevaraj went further, declaring the woman's death "murder" and claiming the MLA tried to assault a protester who was demanding justice. In response, MLA Rajegowda described the woman's death as unfortunate but did not address the specific assault allegations.
The Chikkamagaluru district police have registered a case against 20 people—mostly planters and farmers—who participated in a protest targeting the government and forest department on Sunday. This protest occurred after thousands gathered in Kadabagere following the trampling death of a woman by a wild elephant.
Incident Details and Compensation Dispute
According to the police complaint filed by Balehonnur sub-inspector Ambareesh, when Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and forest officials arrived to hand over a compensation cheque to the deceased woman's family, a group of 40–50 people began shouting and demanded ₹50 lakh instead of the announced ₹20 lakh. The complaint alleges they pushed police personnel and refused to release the body despite relatives pleading to proceed with last rites.
The situation escalated further with allegations of slogan-shouting, stone-pelting, and attempts to overturn a DAR vehicle. During the confrontation, several officers including DSP Rekha and Koppa PSI Madhu sustained injuries. Despite these tensions, no untoward incidents were reported during Monday's bandh, though district police had beefed up security across the entire assembly segment as a precautionary measure.
The Sringeri bandh has highlighted not only the urgent need for solutions to human-elephant conflicts but also the growing political tensions between local representatives and constituents demanding action and accountability.
