Attempted to click selfie, Malayali youth suffers serious injury after being attacked by elephant, video out

BANDIPUR: A Malayali youth was attacked by a wild elephant while trying to click a selfie with it. The incident happened in Bandipur, Karnataka near the national highway from Ooty to Mysuru. The youth, who was seriously injured, has been admitted to the hospital. The Forest Department said they are trying to identify him and will take further action.

The location falls under a strictly regulated zone where stopping vehicles or stepping out is prohibited. Despite this, several visitors, including the injured youth, had stepped out of their vehicles, with multiple cars seen parked along the stretch. The elephant reportedly turned aggressive when the youth approached for a selfie, attacking him. As he tried to flee, he fell, and the elephant chased and trampled him, causing severe injuries.

Forest officials have urged visitors to follow safety protocols in wildlife sanctuaries without exception. Violating restrictions in protected forest areas can attract heavy fines or up to three years in prison. This is not the first such incident in Bandipur. In February, two youths in Chamarajanagar district had a narrow escape when an elephant chased them while they tried to take a selfie with it.

Risking your life for a selfie isn’t worth it.

A Kerala tourist in Bandipur learned the hard way after stepping out of his vehicle for a photo, only to be charged and trampled by a wild elephant.

Lucky to survive. 🐘🚫📸 #WildlifeSafety #Bandipur pic.twitter.com/1LJ3gYtGgz

— Gautam (@gautyou) August 11, 2025