OPERATION ELEPHANT SUCCESSFUL;

The joint operation to capture the tusker by Kadagu and Hassan forest department proved successful with the capturing of a tusker at Kodagu – Hassan border.

The tusker, which was terrifying the villagers and destroying crops in both the district, was captured through tranquilizing, yesterday. Six tamed elephants gave hot chase to the tusker, which crossed borders and sprawled down in Kodagu side as a tranquilizer hits.

Experts and doctors from Bangalore and a band of forest officials and staff were involved in the operation.

The officers hinted that they would look for one more tuskers that has claimed lives and destroyed crop in the border, after getting permission from the government. The permission was being delayed, as they could not get the photograph of the tusker.

ELEPHANT TRAMPLES WATCHER;

A forest watcher Nelli, 49 was trampled to death by a tusker at Somwarpet yesterday morning.

Nelli was returning home around 4.30 A.M from Somwarpet, after watching a drama, “ Shanimahatme”. A tusker brutally trampled him to death inside a forest path.

The forest officials visited the spot and paid a compensation of rupees five thousand to the family for the funeral expenditure. The district in charge minister Mr.Srinivas, who was in Kodagu yesterday directed the officials to release the compensation amount immediately.

DRAMA PLAYS MAJOR ROLE;

The medium of drama play is a powerful art to influence people, said Shantha Mallikarjuna Swamy of Kalanchkeri Mutt.

Swamiji spoke after inaugurating the fifth anniversary of Kalasagar Nritya Nataka Academy at Madikeri.The district incharge minister Mr.Srinivas, MLC Mr.Arun Machaiah, Chairperson of the State water and sewerage board, Mrs.K.P.Chandrakala, journalist G.Chidvilas and others were present as guests.

Cine actress Tara and MLC Mr.B.A.Hasanabba were honoured on the occasion along with a band of artists.