Sullia: A farmer hailing from Nalkura Devakalla near Harihara Pallatadka in Sullia taluk lost his life on February 20,Wednesday night after he was trampled by a wild elephant which had entered his plantation.

It is said the tusker had entered the fields of Ram Bhat (49) when he had been to turn on the sprinkler. The tusker had ran amock after some neighbouring farmers had burst crackers to shoo it away.

But, to Ram Bhat’s misfortune, it had made its way into his plantation and trampled him. The tragedy came to light when his wife came to the plantation in search of him.

Villagers say the elephant menace  has been rampant in the area since the past several years.

The tusker had also damaged coconut and arecanut trees.

The forest department has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the deceased.