Archive · 3 Aug 2026
55-Year-Old Killed in Wild Elephant Attack Near Muchiradka
A 55‑year‑old man named Balakrishna Gowda was killed by a wild elephant near a village called Muchiradka in Karnataka, India.
His family and villagers searched for him after he didn’t return home from work.
They found his torn raincoat and elephant footprints, which helped the Forest Department find his body.
The local MLA, Harish Poonja, visited the family, gave them condolences, and said that more people are being hurt by elephants in the area.
He also said that permanent steps are needed to keep people and elephants safe.
The family received the first part of their compensation money.
55‑year‑old Balakrishna Gowda was killed by a wild elephant near Muchiradka, Belthangady taluk, about 80 km from Manglauru, on Saturday evening.
Family and villagers found his torn raincoat and cap, and elephant footprints were noted during the search.
The Forest Department helped locate and recover his body from a nearby site.
MLA Harish Poonja visited the bereaved family, offered condolences, and said human‑elephant conflict incidents have risen in the area.
The first installment of compensation was paid to the family, and MLA Poonja called for permanent measures to address the problem.
- Who
- Balakrishna Gowda and MLA Harish Poonja
- What
- Victim killed by a wild elephant; compensation paid; MLA called for permanent measures
- When
- Saturday evening (date not specified)
- Where
- Muchiradka, Belthangady taluk, about 80 km from Manglauru, Karnataka, India
- Why
- Increasing incidents of human‑elephant conflict in the region
- Victim
- Balakrishna Gowda
- Age
- 55
- Location
- Muchiradka, Belthangady taluk, Karnataka, India
- Incident type
- Wild elephant attack
- Response
- Forest Department assistance
- Compensation
- First installment paid
- MLA
- Harish Poonja
- Call for measures
- Permanent measures for human‑elephant conflict