Kodagu: A tragic incident was reported from Karnataka’s famous Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu district on Saturday morning after a woman tourist from Chennai was allegedly trampled to death by a Dasara elephant named Kanjan.
The deceased has been identified as Juneshe (33), a homemaker from Chennai, who had travelled to Kodagu with her family for a holiday trip. Her husband, a software engineer working in Chennai, and their child were also accompanying her during the visit.
According to preliminary information, the incident took place at the elephant bathing point located along the banks of the River Cauvery inside the Dubare Elephant Camp premises. The area is a major tourist attraction where visitors are usually allowed to observe elephant bathing and other activities conducted by mahouts.
Officials said the woman reportedly came dangerously close to the elephant during the morning activity session when the animal suddenly turned aggressive and trampled her. She suffered severe injuries in the attack.
Camp staff and local authorities rushed to the spot immediately after the incident. However, despite efforts to rescue her, the woman succumbed to her injuries.
The elephant involved in the incident, Kanjan, is reportedly one of the elephants associated with Mysuru Dasara festivities and has participated in several ceremonial events in the past.
Forest department officials have launched an inquiry into the incident and are examining the circumstances that led to the tragedy, including crowd management and tourist safety protocols at the camp.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns over visitor safety and monitoring mechanisms at elephant interaction zones in popular tourist destinations across Karnataka.
