Mudigere villages on alert after elephant sighting; Protest break out over woman’s death in attack

CHIKKAMAGALUR: Residents of Chikkalli, Haralagadde, Halladagandi, and Hesagal areas in Mudigere taluk are on high alert following a wild elephant sighting. On Sunday, a woman was killed in an elephant attack, making it the second death in one week.

The Forest Department is issuing warnings through loudspeaker announcements, advising locals, travellers and labourers to exercise caution. People are requested to avoid venturing out at night unless absolutely necessary. The department is taking measures to ensure public safety in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, a case has been registered against nine people and others in connection with a protest that turned violent in Balehonnur, following the woman’s death due to a wild elephant attack. The protesters blocked the road, damaged public property and allegedly attacked police personnel.

The police have booked the protesters for rioting, obstructing the highway, damaging public property, and assaulting police officers. The case was registered suo moto by the police, and more people may be implicated based on video evidence and further investigation.

A woman constable was injured when protesters pelted stones at police personnel during a demonstration near Kadabagere. Constable Rekha was on duty as part of the security deployment. Rekha sustained injuries near her ear and was hospitalised where she received six stitches for her injuries.

Protests erupted in Balehonnur following an elephant attack, with activists condemning the government’s response. The protesters, wearing black bands, gathered at Lions Club Circle, Balehonnur, and shouted slogans against the government.

The activists are demanding a permanent solution to the elephant menace and are angry about the police filing cases against them and using lathicharge. The protesters also paid floral tributes to the police jeep and officers. Additional Superintendent of Police Jayakumar, who arrived at the scene, was also greeted with slogans and floral tributes by the protesters.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with demands for greater protection for locals and a more effective approach to addressing human-wildlife conflict.