Daijiworld Media Network - Sullia

Sullia, Aug 22: Panic gripped Markanja village after a wild elephant strayed into farmlands and caused large-scale destruction to crops, leaving several farmers devastated.

According to reports, the elephant entered the agricultural fields in Pareppadi, Ubral, and Mavji localities. The farms belonging to Pareppadi Prashanth Rai and Himakar Mavji were extensively damaged in the incident.

The animal also rampaged through the lands of Keshav Gowda (Mavji), Sadashiva Gowda, Monappa Gowda, Parvathi, Ruksmiyya Gowda (Mittaperlu), and Shashidhar Golyadi Rameshwar, causing widespread destruction in Ubral as well.

In addition, the elephant targeted plantations belonging to Dasarabailu Shivarajan Rao, Akirekadu Harish Rao, Chandrashekhar Rao, and Chamayya Kuduli, inflicting heavy losses.

Locals said the menace of wild elephants has been persisting in the area for quite some time, with frequent intrusions into farms and repeated destruction of crops. Farmers have urged the forest department to take immediate steps to protect their fields and provide relief to the affected families.