A wild elephant killed a woman at Mugali village, Sakaleshpur taluk in Hassan on Tuesday morning, January 13, 2026. The victim, Shobha, 40, was a plantation worker going to work when the elephant attacked her. After the tragic death, local people protested, condemning the incident and demanding a permanent solution to prevent human-elephant conflicts. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre expressed his condolences. He said, "Every life is precious. However, we cannot bring the departed soul back. In order to extend a helping hand to the bereaved family, the department will offer ex-gratia." The minister also said he instructed Forest Department officers to drive the elephant back into the forest and to take steps to reduce such conflicts in the future.