Wild jumbo claims one more life in Sakleshpur; MLA, locals protest

The farmers of Halasulige and surrounding villages in Sakleshpur taluk, led by MLA H K Kumaraswamy, staged a protest with the body of an elephant attack victim, in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in the city on Thursday.

Vasanth (55), a labourer from Puttur, had gone to a coffee plantation at Halasulige village when a wild jumbo suddenly attacked him on Wednesday. The severely injured Vasanth was admitted to the district hospital, where he succumbed to the injuries in the night.

This triggered the villagers, who placed the body of Vasanth in front of the DC’s Office and staged a protest, seeking a permanent solution to the wild elephant menace.

They claimed that the wild elephant menace had not been addressed by the ministers and the district administration so far.

The villagers said the people of Malnad region have been suffering due to the jumbo menace since the last 20 years. The forest and the district in-charge minister should hold a meeting within two days and find ways to resolve the problem. They also insisted on not withdrawing the protest till the meeting date is finalised and given in writing.

Deputy Commissioner R Girish pacified the protesters and assured that he has spoken with the district in-charge minister and the chief minister. A meeting will be convened on February 16 in Sakleshpur with the affected people. District In-charge Minister K Gopalaiah, Forest Minister Arvind Limbavali and MLAs of the region will attend, he assured.

The villagers withdrew the protest only after it was given in writing.

MLA Kumaraswamy said, “One more death due to jumbo attack has been reported in the constituency. Five people have died in the last two months. More than 65 elephants have been camping and roaming in herds in the Malnad region, creating panic. The government should consider the issue
seriously.”