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Tusker That Killed Kodagu Coffee Planter Captured, Released in Bandipur

The swift operation followed protests over repeated fatal encounters in the coffee-growing district.

Overview

  • Forest officials seized the animal on Mar. 13 after it trampled 49-year-old Ganapathi to death at his Siddapura estate a day earlier.
  • Six trained elephants from Dubare aided a pursuit of roughly nine kilometres before sharpshooter Ranjan and veterinarian Dr. Ramesh tranquillised it.
  • The tusker was secured with ropes, loaded by crane and moved through Dubare, then shifted to Ramapura Elephant Camp in Bandipur for release.
  • Residents and local leaders staged demonstrations, accusing the department of poor mitigation and seeking Rs 1 crore compensation for bereaved families.
  • Senior officers said alerts were issued, additional staff deployed, permissions obtained to capture and relocate rogue elephants, and a 7 km railway barricade is under installation.