Man fined for stepping out of vehicle and taking selfie with elephant in forest A person who was attacked by an elephant while taking a video in Bandipur Tiger Reserve has been fined Rs 25,000. The incident took place on August 10-2025, when the tourist stepped out of his car to take a selfie with the elephant, which was eating carrots from a truck. The elephant charged at him, and he narrowly escaped death after being trampled. The forest department has taken strict action against the tourist, identified as R. Basavaraju from Nanjangud, and fined him Rs 25,000 for his reckless behaviour. The tourist has admitted to his mistake and promised not to repeat such actions in the future.
In a video statement, the tourist apologized for his actions and warned others not to get out of their vehicles or feed wild animals. He stated that he was going to Bankapura Temple when he saw the elephant and tried to take a video, which led to the attack. “Do not get out of their vehicles, even to urinate, while in forest areas,” he appealed.
The minister for forests, Eshwar B Khandre, has instructed the department to deploy patrol vehicles on roads passing through forest areas and take strict action against those who violate safety guidelines.
The forest department has warned tourists to follow safety guidelines and regulations while visiting wildlife reserves, emphasising the importance of maintaining a safe distance from wild animals and following guidelines provided by forest authorities.
