Virajpet: In a reported incident, a man has been found apparently trampled to death by a wild elephant in Hanchitittu village near Maldare of Virajpet taluk yesterday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Pemmaiah (68) of Avaregunda village in Virajpet taluk.

Pemmaiah was reportedly missing since Tuesday. Following a search operation conducted by villagers, his mangled body was found lying on the roadside in Hanchitittu forest area. Villagers presume that while Pemmaiah was walking through the Hanchitittu forest area from Maldare to his native village, a wild elephant might have trampled the deceased Pemmaiah to death.

On learning about the incident, Dubare Forest Officials and Siddapura Police staff have visited the spot. Meanwhile, villagers have urged the Department to provide compensation to the family of the deceased.