Camilla Jessen
A single wild elephant has left fear spreading across eastern India.
A single wild elephant has left fear spreading across eastern India, with villagers warned to stay indoors as forest teams race to stop the violence.
Officials say the animal’s movements have become increasingly unpredictable.
Trail of destruction
The rampage began on New Year’s Day in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand. Since then, at least 22 people have been killed, according to local authorities.
The most recent death was reported on January 9 in forested areas of Chaibasa and Kolhan in the West Singhbhum district. These regions are dominated by sal forests, a vital habitat that provides food and shelter for Asian elephants.
Victims have largely been farmers and villagers guarding crops or food stores during the night, officials said.
Hunt for the elephant
More than 100 forest department personnel are now involved in efforts to track and stop the male elephant, according to reports cited by the BBC.
Indian broadcaster ETV Bharat reported that wildlife officials attempted to tranquilize the animal on Friday, but the operation failed. Authorities said the elephant continues to evade capture despite coordinated efforts with local administrators.
“Despite multiple efforts with the support of district administration, the elephant continues to evade capture,” officials said in a statement. “This is becoming a serious challenge in managing human-wildlife conflict in the area.”
Renewed warnings
Officials confirmed that the elephant has re-entered the Chaibasa region, prompting a renewed search. Residents have been urged to remain indoors and avoid forested areas.
Forestry teams believe the animal may be in musth, a natural condition in bull elephants marked by sharply increased testosterone levels. During this period, which can last 15 to 20 days, elephants often become highly aggressive and unpredictable.
The animal is also thought to have become separated from its herd, further contributing to its erratic behavior.
Habitat loss is also being cited as a possible factor. As forests shrink, elephants are increasingly driven toward farms and villages in search of food.
Aditya Narayan, Divisional Forest Officer, said the elephant is traveling vast distances each day. “The elephant is covering nearly 30 kilometres every day,” he said.
“Our team is on high alert, and efforts to tranquillize it will be resumed. Villagers have been strictly advised not to go into the forests and to remain vigilant.”
For now, communities remain on edge as the search continues.
Sources: BBC, ETV Bharat
