The captive elephant Marthanda died on Tuesday, 20 May 2025 at the Dubare Elephant Camp in Nanjarayapatna, Kushalnagar taluk, Kodagu district, Karnataka, succumbing to severe internal injuries sustained during a violent clash with another captive elephant, Kanjan, a day earlier. The tragedy has already claimed one human life — S. Juneshe, a 33-year-old tourist from Chennai, Tamil Nadu — and left her husband critically injured. Authorities have shut the camp to tourists for two days following the incident.

How the Fight Unfolded

According to police, Juneshe and her husband Joyal had arrived at the Dubare camp on Monday morning and initially posed for photographs with the trained elephants. They later waded into the adjacent water body along with other tourists while the elephants were being bathed by their mahouts — a routine activity that visitors are permitted to participate in.

Without warning, Marthanda and Kanjan turned on each other. Despite repeated attempts by mahouts to intervene, the fight continued unabated. During the struggle, Marthanda fell and landed on Juneshe, killing her on the spot. Joyal sustained severe injuries and was shifted to Kushalnagar Government Hospital for treatment. Fellow tourists and camp authorities retrieved the couple from the water body.

Marthanda's Injuries and Death

Veterinarians treating Marthanda said the elephant was attacked continuously for nearly 15 minutes and was unable to rise after collapsing into the water body. According to the treating vets, the sustained assault caused excessive blood loss, severely affecting cardiac function. They also noted the likelihood of internal bleeding in the back and abdomen, which is believed to have triggered a rapid deterioration leading to death.

Sources noted that Kanjan, a tusker, reportedly did not allow Marthanda any opportunity to recover after the latter fell — a factor that compounded the injuries. Notably, captive elephants without tusks — referred to as 'Makna' elephants — are generally considered physically more powerful, making the outcome of this clash particularly unexpected.

Camp Closure and Official Response

The state government ordered the immediate closure of the Dubare Elephant Camp to all tourist entry for two days following the fatality. The usually busy site now wears a deserted look, with surrounding shops and commercial establishments also remaining shut.

Karnataka Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology and Kodagu District In-charge Minister N.S. Boseraju expressed grief over Marthanda's death, stating that the elephant's demise had caused immense pain to camp staff and animal lovers alike. Officials acknowledged that the close proximity permitted between tourists and elephants during bathing activities had posed a serious safety risk in this instance.

What Happens Next

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether an independent inquiry into the safety protocols at Dubare Elephant Camp will be ordered. The camp, which draws large numbers of visitors for its elephant interaction programmes, is expected to remain closed through at least Wednesday. The incident raises broader questions about the management of captive elephants and tourist safety at such facilities across Karnataka.