Elephant Herd Tramples Elderly Man to Death

Tragedy struck Hazaribag district early Friday as a 71-year-old man, Shankar Pandit, was trampled to death by a herd of approximately 25 elephants. The fatal encounter occurred when Pandit stepped out of his home around 5 am and encountered the animals, which had been migrating through villages and forests along the Barakar river for several days.

This incident is the fifth elephant-related fatality this month and the twelfth of the year in the region. The rogue herd has also caused significant damage to standing crops in settlements along the Barakar river, creating widespread panic in Chalkusha, Barkatha, and adjacent areas. Forest officials have provided an initial ex gratia payment of Rs 1 lakh to Pandit's family and are monitoring the herd's movements.

Authorities are actively tracking the elephant herd, aiming to redirect it towards safer forest areas. Residents have been strongly advised to avoid venturing alone into forests or fields and to maintain a safe distance from the elephants. Local representatives have voiced concerns about the recurring threat and have threatened agitation if immediate measures are not taken to manage the elephants.