Close Call in Bandipur Tiger Reserve: Karnataka Man Fined ₹25,000 After Elephant Attack Over Selfie Attempt

Bangalore Mail Staff Reporter

Bandipur, Karnataka – In a chilling reminder of the dangers of flouting forest laws, a 50-year-old man from Nanjangud narrowly escaped death after being charged and trampled by a wild elephant inside Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR) on Sunday evening.

The man, identified as Basavaraj, was travelling with his family after visiting temples in Tamil Nadu when he stopped his car near Kekkanahalla, around 22 km from Gundlupet. Ignoring strict Bandipur forest safety rules, Basavaraj stepped out of his vehicle to click a photograph — reportedly a selfie — of a tusker that was guarding its calf.

Viral Video Captures Terrifying Elephant Charge

A now-viral video shows Basavaraj running alongside the highway before stumbling. The elephant catches up, pins him down, and tramples him. Moments later, the tusker retreats into the forest, allowing the man to scramble into a passing vehicle.

Forest officials later traced Basavaraj from the footage. BTR director S. Prabhakaran confirmed that he sustained only minor scrapes and bruises and was treated at a nearby medical facility in Tamil Nadu jurisdiction.

Forest Laws Ignored Despite Warnings

According to officials, the incident occurred just a few kilometres from a forest checkpost — a zone notorious for wild elephant movement. “It is irresponsible and illegal to step out of vehicles inside Bandipur Tiger Reserve for photos, selfies or videos,” a forest officer said, citing repeated warnings issued to tourists.

Videos from the scene also show multiple vehicles stopped along the highway, with people watching the chase unfold — further raising concerns over reckless tourist behaviour in Karnataka’s wildlife zones.

Strict Action: ₹25,000 Fine Imposed

Following an investigation, the forest department fined Basavaraj ₹25,000 for violating the ban on alighting from vehicles inside the reserve. In a confession video recorded by forest officials, he admitted to stepping out to take a selfie and urged the public not to repeat his mistake.

Government Steps In

Taking note of the incident, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre directed the chief wildlife warden to deploy dedicated patrolling vehicles along the forest stretch, similar to highway patrol units, to prevent passengers from stopping or getting down inside the protected area.

Officials stress that such behaviour not only endangers human lives but also disturbs wildlife, potentially provoking dangerous encounters.