A tragic incident occurred at the Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu, Karnataka, on Monday, resulting in the death of a female tourist from Tamil Nadu. The victim, identified as Jinsu, 33, was visiting the camp with her family when a male captive elephant turned aggressive, sparking a chain of events that led to her fatal injury.
Details of the Incident
The incident took place around 11:15 am while tourists were bathing elephants in the Cauvery River at the camp. According to officials, a 28-year-old tusker named Kanjan suddenly became aggressive and charged at another elephant, Marthanda. As visitors scrambled for safety, Jinsu became trapped between Marthanda's front legs. When Kanjan charged again, Marthanda attempted to move away but lost balance and fell on Jinsu, causing severe head injuries. She was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries on the way.
Family Members Escape with Minor Injuries
Jinsu's husband, Joel, an engineer, and their five-year-old daughter, Jersey, managed to escape with minor injuries amidst the chaos. The family was from Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Official Response and Compensation
Forest officials confirmed that neither elephant directly attacked any tourists. Deputy Conservator of Forests Abhishek announced a compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the victim's family. The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols at elephant camps and the management of captive elephants.
Background of Dubare Elephant Camp
Dubare Elephant Camp is a popular tourist destination in Kodagu, known for its elephant training and bathing activities. The camp houses several captive elephants used for tourism and conservation purposes. This incident marks a rare but tragic event at the camp, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures.
