Captured elephant escapes after sedation in beluru, forest operation halted

Hassan  ;In a dramatic turn of events in Hassan district, a wild Elephant that had been captured after a major operation in Beluru taluk managed to escape, creating panic among forest officials and locals.

The rogue elephant, which had earlier killed a farmer in Kanaguppe village, was tracked down by the Forest Department in a coffee plantation near Keragodu village. During the operation, the massive lone tusker was identified and tranquilised using a dart. Once the animal collapsed, it was secured with ropes and brought under control with the help of six trained captive elephants.

The operation involved well-trained elephants named Sugreeva, Dhananjaya, Ayyappa, Ekalavya, and Shrirama, which assisted forest staff in capturing the wild tusker. Initially, the mission appeared successful, raising hopes among villagers who had been living in fear.

However, the situation took a sudden turn when the elephant regained consciousness. In a burst of aggression, it reportedly broke free from the ropes tied to its legs and neck. The elephant then ran in a frenzy, scattering in different directions and causing alarm among officials present at the site.

Forest personnel narrowly escaped the charging elephant, avoiding what could have turned into a major tragedy. Following the escape, the department immediately halted the ongoing operation and withdrew the trained elephant team back to the camp as a precautionary measure.

The elephant had become a major threat in the region after it killed a farmer identified as Rajshetty on April 12 in Kanaguppe village. The incident had triggered protests among villagers, who demanded urgent action from authorities to capture the animal and prevent further loss of life.

Despite the setback, forest officials are expected to resume tracking operations soon, with enhanced safety measures and revised strategy to recapture the elephant. The incident highlights the challenges faced by authorities in managing human-wildlife conflict, particularly in regions where forest areas overlap with agricultural lands.

Residents in the area continue to remain on edge, urging the administration to ensure their safety and take swift action against the rogue elephant.