A forest watcher who was part of an operation to drive an elephant herd back into the jungle was found dead in a water tank in Veeranahosahalli range of Nagarahole National Park on Friday. The victim was identified as Mahadev Naik, 48, of G.M. Halli in H.D. Kote taluk.
The operations began on Thursday night and the herd, consisting of eight to 10 elephants, was being driven back into the forest. This is a routine exercise for forest guards and watchers, and there is a squad exclusively to chase elephants back into the jungle when they stray into human landscape and villages on the forest periphery.
But during the operation, the elephant herd, at one point, turned around and charged at the guards, who had to run helter-skelter and disperse.
When the group reassembled, Naik was missing. The others tried to trace him but gave up as it was dark. A search operation was launched on Friday morning and forest personnel discovered his body in Gurugalakere tank, bordering a village and the forest.
Deputy Conservator of Forests Mahesh Kumar said it is suspected that the guard may have run into the waterbody in panic as there were elephant footprints on the periphery of the lake. The autopsy report indicates death by drowning, but the police have launched an investigation, the officer said. A cheque for ₹1 lakh has been released to the family members of the deceased, and additional compensation will sanctioned once the formalities are completed, said Mr. Kumar.
