Tourist from Tamil Nadu dies after being caught in a clash between two elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp in Karnataka
The video shows two captive elephants clashing while bathing at the Dubare Elephant Camp near Kushalnagar on May 18. The incident turned tragic after a tourist from Tamil Nadu died when one of the elephants allegedly lost its balance and fell on her during the encounter. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
A tourist from Tamil Nadu died after being caught in a clash between two elephants at the popular Dubare Elephant Camp near Kushalnagar in Kodagu district on Monday (May 18, 2026), prompting the state government to launch a safety review and consider stricter regulations for visitors coming into contact with elephants.
The victim, identified as Joysi, 33, was reportedly watching elephants bathing in the Cauvery river when the incident occurred at the camp, one of Kodagu’s major tourist attractions, where several elephants are kept in captivity.
According to officials, captive elephants Kanjan and Marthanda got into an argument during a bath at the camp. Despite the efforts of the mahouts to bring the situation under control, Kanjan allegedly attacked Marthanda, causing her to lose her balance and collapse.
Joysi, who was standing nearby watching the activity, got stuck under the elephant and died.
Video footage of the incident shows that the victim’s husband, Joel, and the child, who were near her at the time of the accident, escaped unharmed. However, despite trying to help, he was unable to save her as the elephant fell on top of her while Kanjan continued to attack Marthanda repeatedly leaving no opportunity for him or others on the spot to come to her aid.
The situation was later brought under control after other mahouts and kavadis rushed to pacify the elephants.
The incident caused panic among visitors at the camp as they ran for safety after the clash. The camp attracts tourists all year round.
Khandre condoles death
Meanwhile, Karnataka Forest, Environment and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre expressed grief over the death and described the incident as “shocking”.
“Officials informed me that the woman was watching the elephants bathing by the river when the accident occurred,” the minister said, offering his condolences to the bereaved family.
In a statement, Mr. Khandre described the incident as an unforeseen tragedy and said a detailed investigation has been ordered to ascertain the circumstances leading to the accident and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Limitation of activities in close contact
The tourist’s death also prompted the government to tighten security measures at elephant camps and wildlife tourism centers.
The minister pointed out that animal behavior can remain unpredictable even among trained or captive elephants and ordered officials to review restrictions on close-contact tourism activities. These include touching elephant trunks, posing next to them, participating in elephant bathing activities and feeding them jaggery, bananas or other foods.
The government is also expected to introduce stricter protocols requiring tourists to maintain a prescribed distance from elephants and other wildlife at campsites and tourist facilities.
Published – 18 May 2026 17:02 IST