Belagavi: Assistant mahout killed by temple elephant

An assistant mahout was trampled to death by a temple elephant at Alakhanur village in Raybag taluk, Belagavi district, on Monday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Dhareppa Bhevanur (32), a resident of Alakhanur.

On Sunday night, the temple elephant at Karisiddeshwar Temple showed signs of musth but was brought under control. However, on Monday morning, the elephant attacked Bhevanur while he was feeding it, fatally injuring him. He succumbed to his injuries on the spot.

The incident has left Bhevanur’s family devastated, especially as he had become a father to a baby boy just ten days ago.

The Harugeri police have visited the site and are investigating the matter.