Elephant herd frightens villagers

The Statesman
October 23, 2008

MANBAZAR (Purulia), Oct 23: Two residents of Jamuria (Manbazar), Mukta Mahato (48) and Kando Sabar (65) of Nekra (Boro), were trampled to death by a rogue tusker and an elephant respectively in two separate incidents in Purulia district last week. Sixteen people have died due to elephant attacks in the district this year.

Earlier, at least eight villagers died during the last week of May in Joypur block of Purulia, after a rogue tusker trampled them. Later, the tusker was shot to death. Meanwhile, a herd of 21 pachyderms including three calves from Dolma of Jharkhand have been on the rampage, since their entry into Purulia district a fortnight ago to hunt for food. They are now roaming the forest range of Manbazar block and plundering vast areas.
Another herd comprising 15 to 17 elephants, with a calf, reportedly are also now roaming near Rigidhensala and adjoining villages in Jhalda block of Purulia. The elephants came from Jharkhand, apparently after the standing crops in the border areas. Villagers of the district are afraid of the herd and have been on the alert at night. They have even started night patrol for their safety.

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