69 year old man trampled to death by wild elephant near Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur, May 21: In a heartbreaking incident, a 69-year-old man lost his life after being trampled by a wild elephant on Sunday.  The incident took place in Chowka under Seraikela-Kharsawan leaving the local community in shock and mourning the loss of a beloved community member.

The incident has taken place at Khunti village in Chowka at about 5 am while the victim identified as Lilkant Mahto was going to meet nature’s call.

It is believed that the man unintentionally startled the elephant, triggering a defensive response from the animal.

Efforts were made by nearby residents and authorities to alert the man and guide him to safety, but unfortunately, they were unable to prevent the tragic outcome. Despite their best efforts, the powerful animal unleashed a sudden charge, leading to the fatal trampling of the elderly man.

Local wildlife officials were immediately alerted to the scene. They promptly initiated search and rescue operations, ensuring the safety of other individuals in the vicinity and attempting to ward off the aggressive elephant to prevent further harm.

The tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by communities living in close proximity to wildlife habitats. The authorities have been advocating for increased awareness and safety measures to prevent such unfortunate encounters.

Speaking about the incident, a forest official expressed condolences to the victim’s family and stressed the importance of wildlife conservation and coexistence. Efforts are underway to provide support and assistance to the grieving family during this difficult time.

Wildlife experts and conservationists have emphasized the need for community education programs, aimed at promoting understanding and tolerance towards wild animals. These programs can help reduce the likelihood of similar incidents by educating individuals about wildlife behavior and the necessary precautions to take in their presence.

The incident has sparked discussions on the implementation of stronger measures to protect both humans and wildlife in areas where such encounters are common. Calls for increased surveillance, the establishment of designated wildlife corridors, and the enhancement of community-based initiatives are being voiced by concerned citizens and experts alike.

It was a lone tusker that attacked the elderly man and having trampled him to death, it had strayed into the cornfield and was on a rampage there.

A forest official said the Rs 50,000 that they paid to the victim’s family is a part out of Rs four lakhs towards the compensation package. The remaining Rs 3.5 lakhs would be paid after the paperwork is completed.