Fri May 23 05:27:07 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A woman was killed by a wild elephant in Hassan district, Karnataka, exacerbating the ongoing human-elephant conflict. The incident occurred despite efforts by the Forest Department, including orders to capture problematic elephants and plans to establish a soft release center. Locals have repeatedly protested for a permanent solution. The event happened shortly after the Forest Minister laid the foundation stone for an Elephant Task Force office in the area.

**News Article:**

**Elephant Attack Claims Life, Fuels Human-Elephant Conflict in Karnataka**

**Belur, Karnataka – May 23, 2025** – A wild elephant trampled a 45-year-old woman to death in Ankihalli, Belur taluk, Hassan district, earlier today, intensifying the already fraught human-elephant conflict plaguing the region. Chandramma of Gajendrapura was working on an estate when she was confronted by the elephant. Other workers at the estate were left traumatized by the incident.

The death marks the latest in a series of fatal elephant attacks in the Belur and Sakleshpur taluks since the beginning of the year. Frustrated and fearful, local residents have repeatedly staged protests demanding a lasting resolution to the escalating conflict.

The tragedy occurred just days after Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre laid the foundation stone for the construction of an Elephant Task Force office in Bikkodu, Belur taluk, on May 13th. Minister Khandre has held multiple meetings regarding the issue and previously ordered the capture of elephants deemed to be causing trouble.

Despite these efforts, the conflict persists. The Forest Department recently announced plans to establish a soft release center for elephants in the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, however, work on the project has yet to commence.

The death of Chandramma has reignited calls for immediate and effective measures to protect both human lives and the elephant population in the region. The local community is demanding a long-term solution to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety of residents.

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