Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady/Sullia

Beltangady/Sulia, Jul 19: A wave of fear has swept across parts of Belthangady and Sullia taluks as wild elephant herds continue to cause destruction and pose a threat to human life and agriculture.

In a tragic incident reported from Kokkada on Thursday, two wild elephants killed a man, sparking panic among residents. On the same day, a herd of elephants wreaked havoc on farmlands in Nerthane, Dharmasthala village, damaging crops over a wide area.

Residents say the elephants have been camping in the region for the past three days and emerge in the evenings to raid farms. On Thursday night, the herd approached the residence of T V Devasya, destroying cassava, banana, and other crops. They later entered the nearby garden owned by Wilson T V and trampled down banana and coconut trees.

The elephants have reportedly damaged several farms in their path and are frequently spotted near the roadside quarry on the Dharmasthala-Nerthane stretch—a road used daily by schoolchildren and locals, heightening safety concerns.

Meanwhile, in Sullia taluk, another wild elephant attacked the farm of Ganesh Sharma at Bellippadi near Mandekolu on Thursday night, damaging areca, coconut, and banana crops. Farmers in the area say this is not a one-off incident, as elephant attacks have become a frequent menace in recent days.

Locals have urged the forest department to take immediate measures to drive the elephants back into the forest and ensure public safety.