NEW DELHI: In a tragic incident, a tourist from Tamil Nadu died after being caught under an elephant during a fight between two trained elephants at the Dubare elephant camp in Karnataka's Kodagu district, officials said on Monday.
The victim, identified as Tulasi (33), was standing near the river watching the jumbos being bathed when the incident occurred.
According to officials, the two trained elephants — Kanjan and Marthanda — suddenly began fighting during the bath. Despite attempts by the mahouts to control them, Kanjan charged at and rammed Marthanda. As Marthanda lost balance and fell, Tulasi got trapped underneath the elephant and died on the spot.
Karnataka forest minister Eshwar Khandre termed the incident “deeply shocking” and ordered a detailed probe. He also directed authorities to enforce stricter safety measures and ensure tourists maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
Khandre said even trained elephants and other wild animals can behave unpredictably, making it difficult to anticipate their behaviour at all times. He instructed officials to prohibit activities such as touching elephants’ trunks, posing beside them for photographs, bathing elephants, or feeding them jaggery, bananas and other food items.
(With PTI inputs)
