Ramgarh: Tension and fear swept through Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district on Wednesday after four residents lost their lives in separate attacks by wild elephants within a span of just one day. The tragic incidents triggered widespread anger, forcing locals to pour onto the streets in protest against what they described as administrative failure.
Agitated villagers blocked Number Four Chowk in the Ghato area for several hours, shouting slogans against the district authorities and the Forest Department, accusing them of ignoring repeated warnings about elephant movement near human settlements.
The blockade brought traffic on the Ramgarh–Kedla main road and nearby routes to a standstill, leaving commuters stranded for hours.
All four fatalities were reported between Tuesday evening and late night within the Ghato police station limits. The deceased have been identified as Amit Rajwar (33), Amul Mahto (35), Parvati Devi (40), and Savitri Devi (45).
As news of the deaths spread, panic gripped surrounding villages, prompting many residents to stay indoors throughout the night.
The first incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Tuesday near the Ara Number Four Feeder Breaker in West Bokaro. Locals said a herd of elephants had halted near the roadside, attracting onlookers from nearby areas. When some villagers allegedly attempted to chase the animals away, one elephant turned aggressive and charged at the crowd.
Rajwar, who was returning to his home in Ichakdih after completing his shift at Sarubera Colliery, was trampled to death. The attack led to chaos on the Ramgarh–Kedla road, with several truck drivers abandoning their vehicles and fleeing for safety.
A few hours later, another resident, Amul Mahto of Giddi, was killed in a similar attack. The situation deteriorated further late at night when the same herd crushed Parvati Devi, wife of Mahavir Manjhi, and Savitri Devi, wife of the late Lakhan Karmali.
The series of incidents has deeply shaken the region. Protesters alleged that the Forest Department and district administration have failed to implement effective and long-term solutions to prevent human-elephant conflict.
Villagers demanded immediate measures to keep elephants within forest zones, strengthen early-warning systems, and ensure timely and adequate compensation for the bereaved families.
With inputs from IANS