Residents in Eastern India have been warned to stay indoors after a young male elephant reportedly killed 20 people across multiple villages, sparking fear and chaos in the region.
According to Dexerto, the elephant began its deadly rampage in the town of Chaibasa on New Year’s Day, trampling several villagers before moving across neighboring areas over the next few days. Victims included both elderly residents and young children, with several families devastated by the unexpected attacks.
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Families Among Victims as Elephant Attacks Continue
One of the most tragic incidents occurred in Barbaria village, where a couple and their two children were killed as they slept inside their home. Locals said the elephant broke through the structure, trampling the family before moving deeper into the area.
Authorities confirmed that multiple attacks took place across villages, all believed to be the work of the same animal. Officials have since issued a stay-at-home warning for nearby communities while wildlife specialists attempt to locate and subdue the elephant.
Failed Rescue Attempts and Ongoing Search Efforts
Efforts to tranquilize the elephant have so far been unsuccessful, with officials reporting that a professional animal handler was also killed during an attempted capture.
Wildlife experts described the animal’s behavior as “unpredictable” and said they are struggling to determine what triggered the rampage.
Some officials suspect the elephant may be going through a biological state known as “musth”, a period where male elephants experience a surge in testosterone, often leading to heightened aggression and erratic movement.
Officials Monitor the Situation Closely
In a statement, Chaibasa Divisional Forest Officer Aditya Narayan said the elephant’s movements have slowed in recent days but warned that residents should still remain alert.
“The elephant’s movement is very erratic. There have been no reported injuries and deaths in the past four days, and the elephant has not been seen,” said Narayan.
Authorities continue to track the animal’s path using drones and local reports, but its whereabouts remain unknown. Rescue teams are on standby in case the elephant resurfaces in nearby towns.