Karnataka: Andhra tourists fined for taking selfies with elephant in
Bandipur reserve
Coovercolly Indresh, Hindustan Times
February 23, 2024
Andhra Pradesh tourists fined ₹25,000 for taking selfies with violent
elephant at Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Forest officials emphasize safety
measures for visitors and wildlife.
Forest officials slapped ₹25,000 fine on Andhra Pradesh-based tourists, who
were allegedly seen in a viral video taking selfies with a violent elephant
recently at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve.
In the viral video, two individuals were seem narrowly escaping an
approaching elephant while attempting to take selfies. As the footage
circulated widely, the department decided to take action, an official said,
adding they have taken stringent measures to ensure the safety of visitors
and wildlife.
“We have put up signboards and even issued cautions to tourists at
checkpoints not to get down from vehicles amid the forest since wild
animals cross,” AB Ramesh Kumar, director of forest reserve, told HT.
“Despite warnings, tourists attempting to take selfies with animals risk
their lives. Tourists are also instructed not to feed animals.”
Following the video, a probe was initiated, leading authorities to identify
the tourists involved through their vehicle registration details. The
incident occurred on February 11 near Moolehole in Bandipur when a group of
tourists from Andhra encountered an elephant while traversing a forest
road. While most managed to evade harm, one member fell victim to the
elephant’s aggression.
In response, the Bandipur forest department conducted a thorough probe,
leveraging media reports and inquiries led by the Bandipur Assistant
Conservator of Forests (ACF) and Moohole Range Forest Officer (RFO).
Subsequently, Murti, one of the tourists implicated in the incident, was
fined ₹25,000.”
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/bengaluru-news/karnataka-andhra-tourists-fined-for-taking-selfies-with-elephant-in-bandipur-reserve-101708630901337.html
Karnataka: Andhra tourists fined for taking selfies with elephant in
Bandipur reserve
Coovercolly Indresh, Hindustan Times
February 23, 2024
Andhra Pradesh tourists fined ₹25,000 for taking selfies with violent
elephant at Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Forest officials emphasize safety
measures for visitors and wildlife.
Forest officials slapped ₹25,000 fine on Andhra Pradesh-based tourists, who
were allegedly seen in a viral video taking selfies with a violent elephant
recently at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve.
In the viral video, two individuals were seem narrowly escaping an
approaching elephant while attempting to take selfies. As the footage
circulated widely, the department decided to take action, an official said,
adding they have taken stringent measures to ensure the safety of visitors
and wildlife.
“We have put up signboards and even issued cautions to tourists at
checkpoints not to get down from vehicles amid the forest since wild
animals cross,” AB Ramesh Kumar, director of forest reserve, told HT.
“Despite warnings, tourists attempting to take selfies with animals risk
their lives. Tourists are also instructed not to feed animals.”
Following the video, a probe was initiated, leading authorities to identify
the tourists involved through their vehicle registration details. The
incident occurred on February 11 near Moolehole in Bandipur when a group of
tourists from Andhra encountered an elephant while traversing a forest
road. While most managed to evade harm, one member fell victim to the
elephant’s aggression.
In response, the Bandipur forest department conducted a thorough probe,
leveraging media reports and inquiries led by the Bandipur Assistant
Conservator of Forests (ACF) and Moohole Range Forest Officer (RFO).
Subsequently, Murti, one of the tourists implicated in the incident, was
fined ₹25,000.”
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/bengaluru-news/karnataka-andhra-tourists-fined-for-taking-selfies-with-elephant-in-bandipur-reserve-101708630901337.html