A series of deadly elephant attacks has left at least six people dead, including four members of one family, in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district, sparking fear and anxiety among villagers.
The incidents occurred late Tuesday night within the jurisdictions of Noamundi and Hatgamariah police stations. Forest department officials also reported that four others sustained injuries during the attacks.
Confirming the developments, Chaibasa Divisional Forest Officer Aditya Narayan said the tusker has been moving violently across the Kolhan region for several days.
He added that a day earlier, the same elephant had killed seven people in the Kolhan forest range under Goilkera police station, including a young man and his two children.
The renewed attacks have heightened panic among residents as the animal is repeatedly straying into populated areas. Villagers said fear has gripped the region, with families reluctant to step outside their homes, particularly concerned for the safety of children and the elderly.
Authorities have advised people to stay away from forest zones and remain extremely cautious.
Forest teams, along with wildlife specialists from Bankura district in West Bengal, have been deployed to monitor the elephant’s movement and steer it back into forest territory.
Officials said efforts are underway using trained staff, tranquilizing methods, and tracking equipment to prevent further loss of life. The situation has also disrupted rail services. As a safety measure, the South Eastern Railway has suspended six pairs of trains in the Chakradharpur division.
Railway officials said operations will remain affected until the elephant is safely driven away from the tracks and nearby settlements. Wildlife experts have attributed the rising instances of human-elephant conflict to diminishing forest areas and expanding human habitation. They noted that elephants often enter villages in search of food and water, leading to tragic encounters.
Meanwhile, district authorities have stepped up vigilance, formed emergency response teams, and arranged medical aid and relief for affected families. With containment operations continuing, residents in the affected pockets remain on alert, hoping the situation is brought under control soon.
Also read: Elephant attacks claim 13 lives in Jharkhand
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