After ignoring strict rules, the man approached the huge elephant for a photo and almost paid with his life before authorities hit him in the pocked and forced him to apologise
This is the heart-racing moment a foolish tourist gets chased and trampled on by a furious elephant after breaking rules while trying to take a sneaky selfie.
The man – identified only as R.Basavaraju – was slammed as “reckless” after his trespassed into a restricted forest near in southwest India. The angry animal charged at him after he got too close, leaving him running for his life on Sunday.
But his escape came only after the huge creature stomped on him several times. He runs off, before falling again and the elephant catches up with him, before managing to yank off his trousers and again stamping on him. It comes after man called 999 for ‘his own protection’ – then ended up jailed himself.
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The visitors survived but was taken to hospital with severe injuries. Despite the attack, authorities decided Basavaraju must be punished and was slapped with a hefty fine of 25,000 Rupees, which is around £200, according to the DailyGoat.
Daniel Osorio, who said elephant was seen eating carrots at the side of the road when the man tried to take a photo, said he had a very lucky escape. He said it should be a clear message that rules are in place for a reason after he risked his life for a selfie.
The witness said: “This incident is a strong reminder to follow the rules of the wildlife reserves and to let trained authorities, not people on foot, handle situations like this.” He went on to warn other tourists to not make the same mistake.
The Forest Department released a statement and it read: “Such reckless stunts not only endanger human lives but also provoke unpredictable and dangerous animal behaviour”. He was made to record an apology video where he admits his behaviour stemmed from lack of knowledge on wildlife safety rules.
The near-miss comes weeks after co-owner of one of the world’s leading game reserves was trampled to death after being speared by an angry elephant. Gondwana Private Game Reserve boss FC Conradie was gored by the six-ton animal as the Chief Executive Officer was charged at the safari park. He was trying to move the huge creatures away from tourist lodges when one reacted badly, and suddenly attacked the 39-year-old.
After the injured millionaire was thrown to the floor, the elephant stamped on him, killing him instantly. A Gondwana Private Game Reserve spokesman confirmed: “It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of FC Conradie who was our CEO in a tragic incident earlier today.”
“It involved an elephant bull and this heart-breaking event has shaken us all. Our full support is first and foremost with his wife and family who have suffered an unimaginable loss and we ask that their privacy be respected as they face this tragedy. The leadership team are focused on providing every possible support to them and our staff many of whom have lost both a leader and a friend and a mentor here at Gondwana.
“We are working closely with the relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and at this time we are unable to provide further comment. We thank everyone for their messages of compassion and support.”
It comes after two rangers David Kandela, 36, and Philani Sibiya, 33, were killed in separate incident after being trampled to death by elephants while going about their duties at the reserve last year. The elephants that killed the CEO and Mr Kandela are understood to be part of the same herd.
South African Police spokesperson Officer Kappie Kapp said: “It was reported at 8am on Tuesday that an employee at Gondwana Game reserve was attacked by an elephant. He had been trampled and mauled by the elephant and the emergency services declared the man dead at the scene and rangers moved the elephant away to another area. An inquest has been opened and a full investigation is underway.”
