New Delhi: On Thursday, June 20, a tragic incident reportedly took place in Kerala where a mahout got trampled to death by an elephant. The video of the incident is now going viral on the internet in which the victim is seen repositioning the elephant and then being attacked by it.
The footage shows the animal crushing the 62-year-old mahout named Balakrishnan under its feet viciously. It also sees the giant animal stamping the victim brutally before lifting and throwing away his deceased body.
Elephant Curshes Mahout (Discretion Advised)
INDIA – 🇮🇳 6/20/24 – A mahout (elephant trainer) named Balakrishnan, 62, was trying to get the elephant to move into position for a tourist to ride when the elephant turned against him. I’m sure all that poking and prodding doesn’t feel so good. More info in comments.” pic.twitter.com/xXrncV7D3o
— The Many Faces of Death (@ManyFaces_Death) June 21, 2024
More about the incident
As per the reports by The Hindu, a case was filed by the Forest Department against the elephant safari centre. It is said that the safari centre is in Idukki and is against the law. The Forest Department also issued a discontinuation notice to the illegal safari hub after the victim’s fatal accident.
The victim, Balakrishnan was from Neeleswaram and was killed by a female elephant around 6:30 PM in Kallar, Kerala. Officials claimed that the Elephant attacked Balakrishnan when he was trying to guide the elephant while waiting for the tourist to take them on a safari ride. The mahout’s dead body was given to his relatives after a post-mortem.
Reportedly, the elephants were not registered under the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI). However, the DFO (Divisional Forest Officer) of Idukki Forestry Vipindas P.K. said that the owner of the safari centre has been instructed to move the elephants to Kottayam.
Officials reaction to tragic incident
Meanwhile, sources said that the collector of Idukki, Sheeba George said that the district administration wouldn’t allow illegal safari centres. She also requested the forest departments to conduct inspections in short intervals and take strict actions against illegal establishments. The collector also asked the public to report if they come across such an illegal centre.
