The incident took place in BR Hills Tiger Reserve, located around 200 km away from Bengaluru.
It was a close shave for a group of tourists in Karnataka after the vehicle they were traveling found itself between two elephants. The video that went viral on Monday morning begins with an elephant chasing a cart carrying tourists. The elephant trumpets loudly as panic stricken passengers shout in fear. The elephant runs after the cart briefly before it gives up the chase in a forested area. Seconds later, the camera pans to the front to show another elephant in front of the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle continues to drive, revving up the engine, as the elephant runs ahead. A few seconds later, the elephant pauses, turns towards the vehicles, as panic-stricken voices of tourists can be overheard. The elephant then turns around, continues to run forward through the path, as the vehicle follows the jumbo. Just seconds, before the elephant moves away from the path, and the cart drives to safety, a herd of four-five elephants can be seen grazing on the side. Senior Forest Department officials in Karnataka said that the incident took place at BR Hills range forests in Mysuru district which is around 175 km away from Bengaluru. While many questioned the official driving the vehicle for charging towards the tusker, some said it was the best decision taken to safeguard human lives. This incident took place on Monday when tourists were on a safari tour organised by the Forest Department. Senior IFS officer and Chief Conservator of Forests, Manoj Kumar, said, “Recently a calf was born in the tourism zone, maybe the family is guarding the young one. When the safari vehicle went two elephants must have started charging from front as well as back. The driver had no choice but to drive the vehicle to save tourists.” He added, “Following this incident, I have told DCF (Deputy Conservator of Forests) to avoid that route until the elephants move away from that area along with the calf.” While incidents of tourists getting this close with elephants are rare, conservationists have long demanded that the Forest Department prioritise conservation activities over tourism activities.
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