A rogue elephant on a deadly rampage in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district has claimed its fifth human life in a matter of days. The latest victim, a 47-year-old woman, was killed in a pre-dawn attack on Sunday, highlighting the escalating human-elephant conflict in the region.
Sunday's Fatal Attack in Topnosai Village
The tragic incident occurred in Topnosai village, which falls under the Chaibasa forest division and the Goilkera police station limits. Early on Sunday morning, the solitary elephant, which had been separated from its herd, targeted a makeshift shack where a family was sleeping.
The animal razed the structure, causing panic. As the couple, Ranjan Topno (50) and Champa Kui (47), along with their 11-year-old son Kaira, tried to flee, the elephant caught Champa Kui with its trunk. Despite attempts by her husband and son to rescue her, the elephant trampled her to death.
Both Ranjan Topno and his son Kaira sustained serious injuries during the rescue attempt. They managed to escape and were subsequently admitted to the Chakradharpur Sadar Hospital (CSH) for urgent medical treatment.
A Pattern of Violence and Official Response
This attack is part of a terrifying spree by the same elephant. Between January 1 and January 3, the animal had already killed four people and injured an equal number of villagers. The recent death brings the total fatality count to five within a week.
Following the latest tragedy, forest officials have stepped in. Santra forest ranger Shankar Bhagat visited the bereaved family and handed over an ex gratia payment as immediate relief. He confirmed that concerted efforts are currently underway to drive the rogue elephant away from human settlements and back into the forest.
Growing Crisis of Human-Animal Conflict
The repeated attacks in West Singhbhum underscore a severe and ongoing human-elephant conflict in the Kolhan region. The incidents raise critical questions about habitat management, early warning systems, and long-term strategies to ensure the safety of both villagers and wildlife.
As the forest department mobilizes its resources to contain the situation, the community remains on high alert, fearing further encounters with the distressed and dangerous animal.
