Kushalnagar, March 1 -- A first-year Pre-University student was trampled to death by a wild elephant near Bettathur village in Kodagu district last evening.

The victim has been identified as Pooja (19), daughter of Changappa and Devaki, residents of Bettathur near Madikeri. She was a student of St. Michael's Composite PU College.

According to family members, Pooja was walking home with her mother when the tragedy struck. Devaki works as a cook at the Chettukaya Valmiki Ashram School near Karike in Bhagamandala and visits her home in Bettathur once a fortnight.

After completing her annual examinations on Feb. 19, Pooja stayed at her Bettathur residence for a few days before accompanying her mother to Karike on Feb. 23.

Last evening, th...