Jamshedpur Villagers Sleep on Rooftops as Rogue Elephant Kills 20 in West Singhbhum
A rogue elephant has killed 20 persons in West Singhbhum district. This deadly tusker forces villagers living near Benisagar forest in Majhgaon block to sleep on rooftops. They also spend nights inside concrete houses for safety.
Forest Officials Track Elusive Elephant
About 100 forest officials guard the area. They track the elusive elephant day and night. Chaibasa DFO Aditya Narayan provides an update. He says the operation continues without pause. Officials maintain contact with counterparts in Odisha. However, they lack confirmation about the elephant's current status. No casualties have occurred in Jharkhand or Odisha after December 9.
Villagers Seek Refuge in Mukhiya's House
Fear grips approximately 150 residents from 20 villages. For the past week, these villagers spend nights at the house of Majhgaon panchayat mukhiya Abha Madhu Dhan. They fear the return of the dangerous tusker. Abha Madhu Dhan explains the situation. He says fear persists among villagers despite forest patrols. The patrols aim to locate the rogue elephant.
Men Sleep on Rooftops, Women Shift to Concrete Houses
Ghorabandha panchayat member Debraj Patar describes the villagers' precautions. Male members of the villages sleep on rooftops. Female members shift to concrete houses in other locations. The men spread hay on rooftops for comfort. They cover themselves with tarpaulin sheets before sleeping. Affected villagers also climb trees. They keep vigil for the elephant. This allows them to warn others if jumbos approach.
Elephant Moves Between Benisagar and Odisha Forest
Kharpos panchayat mukhia Pratap Chandar Chattar shares information from forest mitras. The elephant moves between Benisagar and Mayurbhanj forest in Odisha. This movement pattern fuels people's fears. They worry the marauding elephant could return at any moment.
Safety Counselling Fails to Ease Villagers' Fears
Officials regularly counsel villagers on safety measures. They advise how to avert possible casualties from the tusker. However, villagers still apprehend danger to their lives. Consequently, they prefer spending nights on rooftops and in concrete buildings. This choice reflects their deep-seated fear and lack of trust in current protections.
