MADIKERI: The village of Devarapura in South Kodagu, which was preparing to celebrate the unique festival of ‘Bedu Namme’, turned into a place of mourning after a villager was killed in a wild elephant attack. The incident occurred near the Aiyappa Temple, where locals had gathered to begin the festivities.
Annaiah (41), an estate labourer, was the victim of the tragic attack. As usual, he had left his home to work at a private estate. On his way, he was attacked by a wild elephant. While he attempted to escape, he was unable to find a way out along the narrow path near the forest fringe and was killed on the spot.
The incident came to light after villagers who were offering pooja at the Aiyappa Temple heard screams.
Thithimathi Division RFO Gangadhar and other officials visited the spot. While the foresters attempted to shift the body, the wild elephant, still present at the scene, tried to attack the officials and villagers. Additional foresters were then deployed and successfully drove the elephant back into the forest.
Nevertheless, extra precautions are being taken to ensure the elephant does not return to the forest fringes.
The entire village is set to wear a festive look for the upcoming ‘Bedu Namme’ celebration, which draws thousands of villagers, including members of tribal communities, to the temple premises located in the sacred grove. An additional forest department force will maintain vigil across the village to keep elephants at bay during the festivities.