A 65-year-old farmer was killed in a wild elephant attack at Kannaguppe village in Belur taluk of Hassan district, on Sunday morning.

The incident triggered protest by the local people who demanded total relocation of all elephants roaming in the area.

Raja Shetti was on the way to his farm when he encountered the tusker. He died on the spot. The local people who saw the body informed the police and forest officials.

Raja Shetti is survived by wife and three sons. Earlier, in February 2025, Dyamavva, 74, was killed in a similar elephant attack in Kanaguppe.

Following the incident, local people staged a protest. They wanted Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre visit the village and promise them a permanent solution to the human-elephant attack.

Belur MLA H.K. Suresh, Deputy Commissioner K.S. Latha Kumari, Superintendent of Police Shubhanwita, Deputy Conservator of Forests Sourabh Kumar and others visited the village and conveyed their condolences for the loss of life.

The officers assured the villagers that an operation to capture the tusker, which was responsible for the man’s death, would be launched immediately. A cheque for ₹20 lakh was handed over to the family of the deceased.

Mr. Sourabh Kumar told The Hindu that the incident occurred early in the morning on Sunday. “Our staff had spotted the movement of the tusker in the village on Saturday and also issued an alert in the village. The incident happened on Sunday, before our staff could track the animal and issue an alert to the villagers,” he said.

The Forest Department had decided to capture the tusker. Arrangements were being made to bring trained elephants to assist the operation.

“The trained elephants will reach the spot on Monday, and we will start the operation by Tuesday. As of now, we will capture the tusker and we are also planning to radio-collar two more elephants," the officer added.