Daijiworld Media Network - Chamarajanagar
Chamarajanagar, Aug 12: A man from Nanjangud who narrowly escaped a wild elephant attack while attempting to take a selfie in Bandipur has been fined Rs 25,000 by the Forest Department.
Initially, forest officials believed the man was from Kerala and launched a search accordingly. It was later found that he was Basavaraju from Nanjangud. Following the incident, he allegedly evaded forest staff, travelled to Kerala, and returned to Karnataka, keeping his phone switched off to avoid detection. Officials eventually traced him and imposed the fine.
Bandipur forest officials have since made Basavaraju record a public awareness video in which he says, “I had gone to the temple in Bankapura. On my way back, I stopped for fun to take selfies and photos. At that moment, a wild elephant charged at me. From now on, no one should stop their vehicles in forest areas or attempt such reckless acts. Avoid taking photos or selfies in these areas.”
Forest authorities hope the video will deter tourists from risky behaviour that endangers both people and wildlife.