Karkala: Wild elephant captured after killing two farmers in Kudremukh

Mangalore Today News Network

Karkala, Nov 3, 2025: The wild elephant responsible for the deaths of two people in the Kerekate area within Kudremukh National Park has been successfully captured by the Forest Department after a two-day operation.

The elephant, which had taken refuge in the forest near Bhagavathi Nature Camp, was captured under the supervision of officials from the Mangaluru Forest Division and the Kudremukh Wildlife Range. Expert teams from Sakrebailu (Shivamogga), Dubare (Kodagu), and Nagarahole elephant camps, along with five trained elephants, participated in the operation.

Forest officials used drones to conduct extensive surveillance across the hilly terrain of Kudremukh. The elephant was spotted near Bhagavathi Camp early in the morning and was captured later in the evening after a coordinated effort involving over 50 forest officers and staff.

The tusker had recently attacked and killed two farmers — Harish Shetty (44) and Umesh (48) — in the Keregadde area near Kerekate. Following the incident, local residents had staged a protest demanding the elephant’s capture and adequate compensation for the victims’ families.

According to forest department officials, the elephant will receive necessary medical treatment before a decision is made regarding its relocation.