Kodagu Grama Panchayat Member Fatally Attacked by Wild Elephant, Third Death in Under a Month
A tragic incident unfolded in Kodagu district early on Monday morning, resulting in the death of a woman who served as a Valnur grama panchayat member. The victim, identified as Jalajakshi, aged 50, was attacked by a wild elephant while she was collecting firewood outside her home in the Balegundi colony within Valnuru limits.
Details of the Fatal Attack
The attack occurred at approximately 10 am, as confirmed by local sources. Jalajakshi, a resident of the Balegundi settlement and the wife of Swami, was engaged in her morning routine when a lone tusker suddenly assaulted her. This marks the second fatality caused by human-elephant conflict in the region within a span of just ten days, and it represents the third deadly elephant attack in less than a month.
Immediate Response and Compensation
Upon being alerted by locals, the forest department swiftly responded to the scene. Officials including Tahsildar Kiran Gowraiah and Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Gopal conducted a thorough inspection of the site. In a gesture of support, the authorities handed over a compensation cheque of Rs 5 lakh to the grieving family of the victim.
Rising Concerns Over Human-Elephant Conflict
This latest incident follows a previous attack on March 1, where a 19-year-old individual lost their life in a similar wild elephant encounter in the same district. The recurring tragedies have intensified demands from local residents for enhanced security measures to mitigate the risks associated with elephant movements in populated areas.
The community is now calling for urgent interventions to prevent further loss of life, highlighting the growing tension between human settlements and wildlife in Kodagu. The frequency of these fatal attacks underscores the critical need for effective conflict resolution strategies and improved safety protocols.
