A male elephant involved in a fatal incident at the Dubare Elephant Camp has died a day after a 33-year-old tourist was killed during a clash between two captive elephants in Karnataka’s Kodagu district.The elephant, identified as Marthanda, aged 35, succumbed to severe injuries sustained during a fight with another elephant named Kanjan during a bathing session in the Cauvery River at the camp.
The animal reportedly suffered critical trauma after the violent interaction, which occurred in front of visitors at the popular tourist site.The incident unfolded when Marthanda and Kanjan, both captive elephants used for tourism and ceremonial activities, engaged in a sudden and intense fight while being bathed in the river. Efforts by mahouts to control the animals were unsuccessful as the situation escalated rapidly, leading to chaos in the area.
During the clash, one of the elephants reportedly lost balance and fell, leading to the death of a 33-year-old tourist from Chennai who was watching the bathing activity. As the struggle continued, Marthanda is believed to have inadvertently trampled the woman while attempting to regain footing. Authorities later confirmed the death of both the tourist and the elephant as part of the same incident.
Also Read: #JUSTIN: With Diplomacy Stalled, Experts Warn of Intense Iran Strikes
Marthanda, weighing approximately 4,500 kg, had been captured in 2023 from Alur in Hassan district, while Kanjan, aged 26, was captured earlier in 2014 from near Yesalur and had previously participated in Mysuru Dasara festivities. Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre described the incident as deeply tragic and expressed sorrow over the loss of both human life and the animal.
Following the incident, the Karnataka government has tightened safety regulations at elephant camps, restricting tourist proximity to captive elephants. Visitors are now barred from approaching elephants closely, taking selfies near them, feeding them, or participating in bathing activities. Authorities have also mandated that elephant viewing must be conducted from a minimum distance of 100 feet, with a new standard operating procedure being prepared to prevent similar tragedies.
Also Read: High Court Sends Contempt Notices To Arvind Kejriwal In Case Against AAP Leaders