Elephant herd creates panic in village

Mandya/Madikeri: A herd of elephants has triggered panic in Hampapura falling under Srirangapatna taluk on Sunday. The same herd had raided farm fields and destroyed crops in Ajjahalli in Maddur taluk on July 19 and was later spotted at Gaamanahalli in Srirangapatna on July 26.The foresters had a tough time controlling the villagers even as they tried to drive back the elephants to the woods. Located near Mysuru, Hampapura villagers tried to scare back the jumbos even as they charged at them. The forest staff along with cops launched the drive to drive them back to the forest area safely. Meanwhile, another herd of four elephants was spotted on the banks of the Shimsha River near the Hole Anjaneyaswamy Temple in Maddur. The elephants that were seen wandering in the rural areas of the taluk have now entered the town. On spotting the elephants, the devotees were panic struck for some time.Soon the temple authorities informed the forest sleuths who arrived at the spot and are now keeping an eye on the elephants to prevent them from entering the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway or entering the town.The forest sleuths said that elephants had entered Maddur during the night hours from Tenginakallu forest area in Ramanagar.Elephant found dead in Suntikoppa estateA wild elephant, aged between 18 to 20 years, was found dead inside the estate at Kambibane in Suntikoppa of Kushalnagar taluk on Sunday.Kushalnagar Range Forest Officer Shivaram said the elephant is suspected to have died nearly two days ago. A few residents alerted the forest department, he stated.Suspected electrocution The jumbo is suspected to have died due to electrocution. However, the foresters said the post mortem report will ascertain the cause of death. The postmortem was conducted by veterinarian Dr Chittiyappa. Later the elephant was buried by the forest staff.
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