Woman Trampled to Death by Elephant in Hassan's Sakleshpura
A tragic incident unfolded in Hassan district on Tuesday when a wild elephant attacked and killed a 40-year-old woman. The victim, identified as Shobha, was heading to work at her coffee estate in Mugalihalli village with her mother Rajamma when the tusker suddenly charged at them.
Mother Escapes as Elephant Chases Daughter
According to forest officials, Rajamma managed to run to safety during the terrifying encounter. However, the elephant pursued Shobha relentlessly before trampling her to death. The attack occurred as the women were making their way to the coffee plantation early in the morning.
Forest Minister Orders Immediate Response
Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre has directed concerned officials to take swift action following the fatal incident. The minister issued clear instructions to either drive the elephant away from populated areas or rescue the animal safely.
Khandre specifically ordered the Chief Conservator of Forests for Hassan circle to manage the situation promptly. He emphasized the need for immediate measures to prevent further tragedies in the region.
Compensation and Preventive Measures Announced
The forest minister confirmed that compensation will be provided to Shobha's family according to established norms. This financial support aims to help the grieving family cope with their sudden loss.
Khandre also instructed officials to implement necessary precautions to protect human lives from wildlife threats. His directives include:
- Alerting local residents about elephant movements in the area
- Deploying a specialized elephant task force to monitor the situation
- Taking preventive measures to minimize human-wildlife conflicts
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of human-elephant coexistence in regions like Sakleshpura, where coffee estates often border forest areas. Local authorities are now working to implement the minister's orders while the community mourns the loss of Shobha.
