Residents of Chaibasa and Hazaribagh in Jharkhand, who have been living in constant fear due to rampaging wild elephants, are set to receive relief as specially trained ‘Kumki’ elephants will be brought from Karnataka and West Bengal.
The move comes after a series of fatal elephant attacks in the past month claimed more than 27 lives across the affected districts.
In Chaibasa alone, a single rogue elephant has reportedly killed over 15 people. In Hazaribagh, a herd of five elephants trampled seven persons to death in a single night, triggering panic among villagers and prompting urgent intervention from forest authorities.
According to officials, the trained elephants — provided by the Karnataka Forest Department — will be deployed to control and guide aggressive wild elephants back into forest areas.
Adult male elephants often become uncontrollable when testosterone levels rise, particularly during musth, a periodic condition marked by heightened aggression and unpredictable behaviour.
The specially trained Kumki elephants are expected to use their calm presence and controlled movements to lure and steer the rogue elephants away from human settlements.
Forest officials believe their deployment will significantly reduce human casualties and restore a sense of safety in the affected regions.
The term “Kumki” (also spelled “Kunki”) originates from Persian, meaning “helper.” These elephants are carefully trained and disciplined, each accompanied by an experienced mahout.
They are specifically used to manage, capture, or drive back aggressive wild elephants without causing them harm.
Authorities are hopeful that the arrival of the Kumki elephants will bring much-needed relief to frightened communities and help prevent further loss of life in Jharkhand’s conflict-hit areas.
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