Daijiworld Media Network - Madikeri (SP)

Madikeri, Aug 16: A motor bike rider moving on Shanivarasanthe-Kushalnagar main road was attacked and crushed to death by a wild elephant on Monday August 15 evening at Sangayyanapura near Banavara.

The victim happened to be Rajachar (45), residaent of Besur, Kodlipet. He was going in his motor bike from Besur to Kushalnagar at around 3.30 pm when tragedy struck.

The wild elephant attacked the motor bike. After Rajachar fell down with his two-wheeler, it stamped the vehicle. Then it picked up Rajachar, who had fallen into the roadside drain, with its trunk and tossed him here and there before crushing him to death with its foot. Injured Rajachar died on the spot.

Rajachar is survived by wife and three daughters.

Villagers from Banavara and surrounding villages immdiately blocked Kushalnagar-Shanivarasanthe highway and raised slogans against the forest department and government. They demanded for immediate shifting of elephants moving around the area, and to initiate measures like building of solar fences and trenches to stop elephants from attacking people and taking away their lives.

Range forest officer, Mohsin Basha, police circle inspector, Parashivamurty, and officials of both these departments visited the spot and conducted inspection.