Village Head Trampled by Wild Elephant on Way to Polling Station in Jamshedpur

Elephant Attack Highlights Ongoing Wildlife Threat in Baharagora Block

Surendra Nath Hansda, head of Gobarabani village, was tragically killed by a wild elephant while en route to vote.

JAMSHEDPUR – Surendra Nath Hansda, the 66-year-old head of Gobarabani village in Muturkham Panchayat, Baharagora block, was trampled to death by a wild elephant on Saturday morning.

Hansda was walking through the forest to reach Dholabeda polling station when he encountered the elephant.

The elephant attacked and killed him on the spot.

Upon hearing of the incident, villagers quickly gathered at the scene.

Residents have reported an increase in elephant activity in the area over recent days.

Approximately 15 to 20 elephants have been roaming the vicinity, causing alarm among the villagers.

Despite informing the forest department about the elephant presence, villagers claim no significant action has been taken.

This inaction has led to growing fear and anger towards the department.

Forest department personnel arrived at the village after the incident and provided an immediate compensation of Rs 25,000 to Hansda’s family.

They assured the remaining compensation will be processed and delivered soon.

Former Baharagora MLA Kunal Sarangi also visited the village to offer his condolences to Hansda’s family.

Sarangi contacted a forest department official, urging prompt delivery of the full government compensation to the bereaved family.

He also requested that the elephants be relocated to a safer area away from the village.

The tragic incident has highlighted the ongoing threat posed by wildlife in the region.

Efforts are now focused on addressing the issue to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of the villagers.