Man Killed in Suspected Wild Elephant Attack in Beltangady

Mangalore Today News Network

Beltangady, Aug. 2, 2026: A 55-year-old man was killed in a suspected wild elephant attack near Muchchiradka in Neladka, Rekhya village of Beltangady taluk on Saturday evening.

The deceased has been identified as Balakrishna Gowda (55), a resident of Idyalu.

According to sources, Balakrishna Gowda had gone to work as usual and is believed to have been attacked by a lone wild elephant while returning home in the evening. When he failed to return, his family members and local residents launched a search.

During the search, his plastic raincoat was found lying on the roadside, while elephant footprints in the area pointed to a possible animal attack. A subsequent search of the nearby surroundings led to the discovery of his body in a trench.

Forest department officials visited the spot and carried out a preliminary inspection. The exact circumstances of the incident are yet to be confirmed, and further investigation is underway.