The incident also claimed the life of Marthanda, one of the elephants involved in the clash, at the Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu district on May 18.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Dubare tragedy: Upalokayukta takes suo motu cognisance, seeks report
Justice Phaneendra, in his order dated May 21, has sought detailed comments and reports regarding visitor safety measures following the accident and summoned two Forest Department officials — Gopal A.A., Assistant Conservator of Forests, Somwarpet sub-division, Kodagu, and Rakshit, Range Forest Officer, Kushalnagar Territorial Range — who have been named as respondents in the complaint.
The respondents have been directed to appear in person before the Upalokayukta within four weeks from the date of receiving the notice and submit a report detailing the measures taken in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The incident also claimed the life of Marthanda, one of the elephants involved in the clash, which later succumbed to severe injuries sustained during the fight.
In the wake of the incident, Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre directed officials to prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) focusing on visitor safety and instructed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden to strengthen safety measures across elephant camps.
Authorities have now ordered that tourists should not be allowed near elephants and must maintain a minimum distance of 100 feet while observing elephant bathing activities at camps across Karnataka. The restrictions are aimed at preventing similar incidents. Tourists have also been barred from directly feeding elephants with bananas, jaggery, sugarcane or other food items.
Meanwhile, the Forest Department has temporarily shut the Dubare camp until revised safety protocols are put in place. The camp is expected to remain closed until visitor safety SOPs are finalised. A few other elephant camps in the State are also closed awaiting SOPs.
Dubare is among Kodagu’s major tourist attractions and draws large numbers of visitors every year, alongside Harangi Reservoir and Kaveri Nisargadhama.
Kodagu district in-charge Minister N.S. Boseraju has also instructed officials to enforce stricter safety norms at elephant camps and ensure such incidents do not recur.
He directed the district administration to submit a comprehensive report examining the exact cause of the accident and determine whether there were lapses in tourist management and implementation of safety guidelines.
The Minister suggested strict adherence to safety measures and adequate precautionary arrangements for visitors at the camps.
Tourists visiting forest areas, elephant camps and eco-tourism destinations have been advised to exercise caution, noting that animal behaviour can be unpredictable, and follow Forest Department instructions and maintain safe distances while observing wildlife.
Published – May 22, 2026 07:24 pm IST
