Chikkamagaluru
A wild elephant caused a major traffic disruption on the Charmadi Ghat stretch of the national highway in Karnataka after it appeared and stood in the middle of the road. The incident occurred near the 3rd hairpin bend close to Kottigehara in Mudigere taluk, affecting vehicles moving between Dakshina Kannada and Chikkamagaluru districts. Frightened motorists stopped their vehicles as the lone tusker blocked the route, creating a traffic jam. Due to poor mobile network in the area, drivers were unable to alert forest officials immediately. Locals said the elephant has frequently been seen in the region and urged the Forest Department to take action for relocation and public safety.
