A tusker was found dead reportedly after coming into contact with a live electricity wire at Guddadabeeranahalli in Tarikere taluk on Sunday.
The elephant, aged about 25, is reported to have come in contact with the wire as it tried to enter the cotton field of Sridhar.
D. Manjunath, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bhadravati division, told The Hindu that the incident occurred at the Lakkavalli range of Bhadravati division.
“The elephant was found dead close to the Bhadra Tiger Reserve area. We have booked a case with the police against Sridhar, owner of the land, besides the Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (MESCOM). Sridhar and his family members are absconding,” the officer said.
G. Veeresh, a wildlife activist who visited the spot, said that this was the second such incident in two months. Another elephant had died in September. “Illegally drawn power lines for private purposes had been causing death of wild animals. The Forest Department should take stern action against those responsible for such incidents,” he pointed out.
