Ranchi- Human–elephant conflict has escalated sharply in Jharkhand, resulting in five human deaths within a week and the discovery of two dead elephants in West Singhbhum district.
The latest tragedy unfolded late Sunday night in Kharkanda village of Bokaro district, where a herd of about 15 elephants entered the settlement and created havoc for several hours. The animals killed 45-year-old Sanjho Devi and wrecked dozens of homes. A tempo, a car, and stored provisions were also destroyed. Terrified villagers said they rushed to their rooftops to survive the chaos.
Forest officials reached the scene after being alerted, but by then, extensive damage had already occurred. Locals are demanding urgent compensation and more robust protective measures.
Earlier in the week, two men — Prakash Mahato and Charku Mahato — were fatally attacked near the Tilaiya underground rail crossing. Both were trapped in dense darkness when a herd charged at them. In another incident, 43-year-old Nakul Oraon from Chatra district was killed on Tuesday.
On Saturday night, 40-year-old farmer Chhotan Munda in Ranchi district died while attempting to push back a wild elephant. Outraged villagers blocked NH-75 on Sunday, seeking compensation and employment for his family. Authorities cleared the blockade after providing ₹25,000 as immediate aid.
Meanwhile, the Forest Department is investigating the deaths of two female elephants found in Juginanda Tola. One of them was pregnant. Their bodies, located after villagers noticed a strong odor, appeared to be two to three days old. A herd was spotted moving in nearby fields. Postmortem reports and forensic analysis of viscera samples are awaited.
With inputs from IANS