At least 20 people have been killed by a wild elephant over nine days in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district, officials said, adding that the animal is yet to be captured. The deaths occurred between January 1 and 9 in the Chaibasa and Kolhan forest areas, part of one of Asia’s largest Sal forest belts. Most victims were attacked at night while guarding paddy stored in fields or sleeping outdoors.
Forest officials said a massive search operation involving over 100 personnel is under way, calling the incident unprecedented as the fatalities have been linked to a single male elephant. Authorities believe the animal may be in its mating phase, which can trigger aggressive behaviour. The district administration has put the area on high alert and announced compensation for victims’ families.
