Dubare jumbo fight: Marthanda the elephant dies a day after the fatal encounter

Elephants Kanjan and Marthanda get into an argument while bathing at Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu, leading to the tragic death of a tourist from Tamil Nadu on 18 May 2026. Photo credit: PTI

A day after a violent clash between captive elephants Kanjan and Marthanda at the Dubare elephant camp in Kodagu district claimed the life of a tourist from Chennai who was caught in a brawl in the Cauvery river, Marthanda (53), who sustained serious injuries in the attack, succumbed on Tuesday (May 19).

The elephant death cast a gloom over the mahouts, kavadis and forest staff at the popular elephant camp.

Minister NS Boseraju, in-charge of Kodagu region, expressed grief over the death of a tourist from Tamil Nadu in the incident. Describing it as an unforeseen tragedy, he said such incidents should not recur in future and directed the district administration to take necessary precautionary measures.

Mr. Boseraju also mourned the death of Marthanda. “The elephant sustained severe injuries in the fight and was fighting for its life. However, it breathed its last on Tuesday morning,” he said.

The minister announced that the forest department would provide a compensation of ₹20 crore to the victim’s family.

Meanwhile, Minister for Forests, Environment and Environment Eshwar B. Khandre expressed deep grief over Marthanda’s death, calling the incident “unexpected and unimaginable”.

“The death of a tourist and an elephant in an accident is deeply tragic,” he said in a statement.

Marthanda, a 53-year-old makna elephant weighing approximately 4,500 kg, was captured in Alur taluk of Hassan district in 2023. Kanjan, a 26-year-old elephant captured near Yeslur in Hassan district in 2014, participated in the Mysuru Dasara celebrations three times.

No Dasara duty for Kanjan

Following the incident, Mr. Khandre directed the forest department not to use Kanjan for future Mysuru Dasara celebrations.

The Dubare Elephant Camp incident has raised concerns about the safety of elephant camp visitors following a tragic incident during elephant bathing on May 18.

Following the tragedy, the state government launched a review of safety protocols at elephant camps and is considering stricter regulations for tourists visiting such facilities.

Published – 19 May 2026 14:12 IST