Mysuru: Conservator of Forests and Director, Nagarahole National Park Manikantan has been trampled to death by a wild elephant. The incident occurred near Balle Range this afternoon.

Reports reaching Star of Mysore say that the incident occurred at around 12.30 pm today when a group of Forest Department officers went to inspect a forest fire at Balle. While returning from Balle, a herd of elephants charged at the jeep in which Manikantan and other forest staff were travelling.

Seeing the charging elephants, the occupants of the vehicle ran helter-skelter. Manikantan, who was trying to escape, was however caught by a tusker which trampled him to death. After the elephants went inside the jungle, forest staff returned to the jeep and did not find Manikantan.

Assuming that Manikantan was hiding from elephants, the staff waited for him. They went in search of the officer only to find his body near a tree.

Manikantan was serving as the Director, Nagarahole National Park since two years.