Wild Elephants Kill Two in Koderma, Wreak Havoc in Seraikela

Ranchi (IANS): Wild elephants continue to terrorize several districts in Jharkhand, leaving a trail of death and destruction. A herd of elephants trampled two people to death in Koderma district Tuesday night, while another lone tusker destroyed property and crops in Seraikela-Kharsawan, officials confirmed Wednesday.

Fatal Attack at Koderma Brick Kiln

In Koderma’s Jainagar police station area, a herd attacked a brick kiln in Kanjhiyadih village late Tuesday. The elephants crushed makeshift houses, triggering a stampede among the workers.

The attack claimed the lives of 32-year-old laborer Rajkumar Manjhi and 12-year-old Lovkush. Three others—Rajkumar’s wife Gauri Devi, Lovkush’s mother Kari Devi, and an eighteen-month-old child—sustained serious injuries. Emergency responders have admitted the survivors to a local hospital for treatment.

The incident sparked outrage among local residents, who accused the Forest Department of negligence. Villagers alleged that authorities have failed to drive away the pachyderms despite their persistent presence in the area. This tragedy follows a similar attack on April 19 in Koderma’s Satgawan block, where a youth lost his life, leading to massive protests and the blockade of the Gaya-Deoghar main road.

Rampage in Seraikela-Kharsawan

In the neighboring Seraikela-Kharsawan district, an elephant wreaked havoc Tuesday night in Tiruldih village under the Chandil forest area. The animal broke into a newly upgraded primary school and consumed approximately 150 kg of rice meant for the mid-day meal scheme.

The elephant then moved to Bana village, where it destroyed banana and vegetable crops before flattening cucumber fields. Local farmers report that herds have camped in the Chandil subdivision for years, frequently raiding villages after dusk.

The repeated incursions have created a climate of fear, forcing residents to spend their nights guarding homes and fields against further destruction.