JOIN USA 22-year-old man was trampled to death by a wild elephant while he guarding the coffee beans at a yard in Beetikadu.
The deceased is Sandeep, son of Elumalai of Anandapura. He was working in Beetikadu estate belonging to BBTC.
The elephant attacked him when Sandeep was fast asleep in the wee hours of Friday. The elephant had trampled his head, thus killing him on the spot, while another person, Raju, escaped unhurt.
The victim was working for the Dhanu Security Agency in Virajet and was hired by the company to guard the coffee yard.
Compensation
The labourers led by labour leader Mahadev demanded compensation for the family of Sandeep from BBTC.
Later, BBTC promised to provide Rs 2 lakh and Dhanu Security Agency also promised to hand over Rs 1 lakh to the family of the victim.
Mahadev said that the wild elephant menace has increased in Siddapura and surrounding areas. More than 40 wild elephants are camping in coffee estates.
Fear has gripped the labourers following the elephant menace. The government should chalk out permanent programmes to control the elephant menace, he demanded.
The forest department handed over a cheque for Rs 2 lakh to the family of the victim. ACF Roshini, RFO Kalleera Devaiah and others were present.
MLC Veena Achaiah visited the house of the victim and consoled the family members.
Later, speaking to reporters, she said that there has been a rise in wild animal menace in the district.
“I will raise the issue in the council. The forest department officials should initiate measures to chase elephants back to the forest,” she said.