A mahout was trampled to death on Friday by an elephant in the Theppakadu elephant camp at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, authorities said.
The elephant 'Masini' suddenly targeted its mahout Balan (48), pushing him down and trampling him this morning, they said. Balan was severely injured and was rushed to Gudalur Government Hospital, where he was declared brought dead.
The state forest-department-run camp in Nilgiris District is home to 28 elephants including Masini. The death of the mahout has led to gloom in the elephant camp.
