Khunti: A wild elephant triggered panic in Khunti town on Monday after it fell into an open well in the Dandtoli (Anigara) locality. Following a coordinated two-hour operation, Forest Department officials successfully rescued the animal, which experts believe wandered into the residential area due to impaired vision.
The Rescue: JCB Machines Create Escape Route
The elephant fell into an open well belonging to local resident Dimba Lohar around noon. Forest Department teams and local administration officials immediately rushed to the scene and launched a rescue strategy.
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Excavating a Slope: Officials used a JCB machine to dig and level the soil on one side of the well, creating a gradual slope.
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The Climb Out: The elephant used the newly created ramp to climb out of the well on its own.
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Movement Post-Rescue: After emerging, the animal crossed the national highway at Anigara and headed toward Pokla village.
Crowd Control: Managing the Onlookers
While the technical rescue proceeded smoothly, thousands of onlookers created a major challenge for the authorities. News of the incident drew massive crowds, leading to chaotic scenes. Officials repeatedly appealed to the public to maintain a safe distance, as large groups often provoke trapped animals.
Health Status: “Weak and Disoriented”
The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Khunti shared critical observations about the elephant’s condition:
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Vision Loss: The animal appears to have impaired vision in one eye and possibly poor sight in the other, which likely caused its disorientation.
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Physical Condition: The elephant appeared weak and hungry. While the fall caused minor injuries, the animal has not shown aggressive behavior so far.
A Busy Trail Through Khunti Town
Before the accident, the elephant traversed several of the town’s busiest areas. Local reports indicate the animal first reached Bhoot village on Sunday before it re-entered the Datia locality on Monday morning. Its path included DAV Road, the Daily Market, Nagar Bhavan, and the Forest Department checkpoint, crossing Main Road and Tamar Mor before it finally reached Dandtoli.
Forest officials continue to monitor the elephant closely and urge the public to avoid crowding as they work to safely relocate the animal to its natural habitat.
