Napoklu (Kodagu): A 70-year-old man was killed in an elephant attack at Yavakapadi village in Kakkabe-Kunjila Gram Panchayat limits near Napoklu. 

The deceased is Kudiyara Chinnappa, a resident of Yavakapadi village. He leaves behind his wife, two daughters and one son.

It is suspected that the incident may have taken place on June 15 night and it came to light yesterday morning. As the elephant had gored him, Chinnappa’s stomach was slit open.

Chinnappa was working at an Estate in Naaladi village and on June 15 too he had gone to work. The elephant may have attacked and killed him while he was returning home. 

Napoklu Police, who have registered a case, shifted the body to Madikeri General Hospital, where post-mortem was conducted and the body was handed over to the family members. Last rites were held at Chinnappa’s native place.

Bhagamandala Range Forest Officer (RFO) Devaraj and staff, Napoklu Station Officer and staff visited the spot. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Prabhakar has assured the family members of deceased Chinnappa of getting them Rs. 7.5 lakh compensation and gave a cheque for Rs. 1 lakh from the Forest Department to deceased Chinnappa’s son Dileep.

Incidents of elephants raiding plantations, destroying crops and killing humans is going on since 5-6 years in the region creating panic among the people. The people of the region have urged the Forest Department officials to take steps to control such incidents and save their lives.