When Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses an election rally in Belur taluk of Karnataka’s Hassan district on April 30, there will be an unusual component to his security: an elephant watch and rapid response team. On Thursday, a herd of elephants inflicted serious injuries on a farmer in Kadegarje in Belur taluk, just 20 kilometres away from the rally venue. The farmer is now undergoing treatment in Hassan town.
The Forest Department has taken measures to avoid the movement of elephants in areas close to the venue of the Prime Minsiter’s programme. “As of now, elephants are quite far from the venue. However, we cannot be sure of their movement. Our officers are on watch with the rapid response team and other supporting staff,” K. Harish, Deputy Conservator of Forests in Hassan told The Hindu.
