A tragic incident occurred in Bachhurkhoar village under Nayagram block in Kharagpur, where a two-to-three-year-old elephant calf lost its life after falling into an open well. The accident took place despite concerted rescue attempts by both the calf's herd and forest officials.
Incident Details
According to forest department sources, a herd of approximately 25 elephants entered the locality from the Dorkhuli side of Tapoban forest around 3 am on Wednesday. The herd reportedly approached a brick kiln area to feed on jackfruits. In the darkness, the calf failed to notice the open well and fell into it.
Rescue Efforts by the Herd
When villagers gathered at daybreak, they found the herd circling the well. Witnesses observed the elephants repeatedly attempting to rescue the calf by extending their trunks into the well and scraping away soil from the edges. Even after the rest of the herd moved away, a female elephant, believed by forest officials to be the calf's mother, remained near the spot.
Forest Department's Response
Upon receiving information, forest workers from the Pratappur Beat under Chandabila Range launched a rescue operation. A JCB machine was brought in, and one side of the well was excavated to facilitate the rescue. However, the calf could not be saved.
Cause of Death
Forest officials suspect that soil collapsing into the well during the herd's rescue attempts may have caused breathing difficulties for the calf. The carcass has been sent for postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
