Panic Spreads as Villagers Blame Forest Officials for Warning Failures
Key Points:
- Three villagers killed in separate elephant attacks in Gola
- Victims include two workers and one elderly man
- Residents protest lack of timely forest department alerts
JAMSHEDPUR – Three people were killed in elephant attacks in Jharkhand’s Ramgarh district, triggering fear and anger among villagers.
The incidents occurred in the Gola police station area on Friday. Three separate attacks were reported in nearby villages.
Meanwhile, an elderly man named Shyam Dev Saw died first. He was going to collect mahua in Murpa village.
However, a herd of elephants suddenly attacked him. He was crushed to death on the spot.
Later, the herd moved towards Banda village. The attack happened in the Bangla brick kiln area.
Meanwhile, two laborers were targeted during the second incident. They were identified as Yugal Bhuiya and Dheeraj Bhuiya.
However, both men had gone out for defecation. The elephants attacked them without warning.
Moreover, both workers died instantly at the location. The bodies were later recovered by officials.
Soon after, forest department teams reached the site. Local police also arrived to assess the situation.
Meanwhile, authorities confirmed the identities of all victims. Further procedures are now underway.
However, villagers expressed strong anger after the incidents. They accused officials of negligence.
Moreover, residents said no prior alerts were issued. They claimed this made them vulnerable to attacks.
In contrast, forest officials defended their response. They said the herd was earlier in another district.
However, its sudden movement caught them off guard. Officials said tracking wild elephants remains difficult.
Meanwhile, a forest officer stated compensation would be provided. Government norms will be followed, he said.
Moreover, teams are currently camping in the affected area. They are advising villagers to remain alert.
Elephant movement in Jharkhand has increased recently. Regions near Ranchi and Ramgarh often report such incidents.
Meanwhile, human-elephant conflict has been rising due to shrinking forest zones. Experts link it to habitat loss and food scarcity.
