MYSURU, 11 JUNE

 Elephant Ashwathama, 38, which participated in Dussehra celebrations, died on Tuesday after getting electrocuted by a solar fence.

Ashwathama, who was at Bhimanakatte Elephant Camp under Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary, was foraging in the forest when it came into contact with a solar fence erected on the border of the forest, according to officials. 

The elephant was captured in Sakaleshpur taluk, Hassan district, 2017̧  Known for its gentle and serene nature, the elephant was introduced to Dasara festivities in 2021 and underwent extensive training, including walking drills. Ashwathama garnered attention for its role in the Dasara in 2022, although it did not participate in the Jambu Savari procession.

On 5 December, another Dasara elephant Arjuna died during an operation to capture a wild elephant in Hassan district̤. —Salar News