A tragic incident unfolded in the forests of Hazaribag district on Sunday evening, where the body of a local shepherd was discovered, sparking concerns over human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Body Discovered by Locals
According to the police, local residents first spotted the lifeless body in the Karmatand forest area and immediately alerted the authorities. The police team from the Barkagaon police station swiftly reached the remote spot to begin their investigation.
The deceased was identified as Dukhan Ram, a 57-year-old resident of Nayatand village within the same district. The discovery sent shockwaves through the local community, where Dukhan Ram was known as a cattle herder.
Family Alleges Elephant Attack
Speaking on the case, Officer in-charge Krishna Kumar Gupta provided details of the initial findings. He confirmed that the body was sent to the Hazaribag Sadar Hospital for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
"The family members of the deceased have alleged that Dukhan had gone to the forest to graze cattle and was trampled to death by an elephant," stated Gupta. This allegation points towards a potential fatal encounter with wildlife, a recurring danger in forest-adjacent areas.
Investigation Awaits Post-Mortem Report
While the family's statement provides a direction, the police have emphasized that the exact cause of death will only be confirmed after the post-mortem report is received. The forensic examination is crucial to corroborate the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
A thorough investigation into the incident is currently underway. The police are piecing together the final moments of the shepherd's life and examining all possible angles related to the death in the Karmatand forest.
