A routine tiger-tracking operation in Karnataka took an unexpected turn on Friday when a trained elephant, brought in for forest patrols near Gundlupet&rsquo;s Kallahalli in Chamarajanagar district, bolted into a nearby town after suffering insect bites.
According to officials, the bites caused the elephant to panic and lose direction. In its confusion, it raced out of the forest zone and wandered into the main town area, even entering a crowded bus depot. Videos from the scene show the animal striding through the terminal as startled commuters and motorists scramble for safety. In one clip, a motorcyclist abandons his two-wheeler and runs as the elephant approaches.
Forest Department officer Shivakumar from the Baper range said the animal&rsquo;s behaviour was a direct result of distress. &ldquo;The elephant had lost direction after the bites and accidentally entered the town,&rdquo; he explained. He added that the animal eventually moved toward Madahalli, away from dense public spaces.
Authorities are now attempting to safely contain the elephant. &ldquo;Efforts are being made to capture and control the animal, no harm has been caused to the public,&rdquo; Shivakumar said, assuring residents that the situation remains under the department&rsquo;s supervision.

Tiger-Tracker Elephant Sparks Chaos in Karnataka

Trained elephant strays into Chamarajanagar after insect bites trigger panic and confusion

Tiger-Tracker Elephant Sparks Chaos in Karnataka

Trained elephant strays into Chamarajanagar after insect bites trigger panic and confusion

November 8, 2025 | 12:03 IST