The conflict between humans and elephants reached a distressing climax as wild elephants intruded into two family homes in the Upartala-Bijoypur village of Dudhnoi, Goalpara district. The incursion, which occurred during the night of May 4, resulted in extensive damage as the elephants consumed stored paddy and rice, disrupting the lives and livelihoods of affected families.
Compounding the tragedy, the home of Bipul Boro in Karipara near Dudhnoi was also subjected to destruction by the rampaging elephant herd. The timing of the incident couldn’t be worse, as the affected families were preparing for their participation in the third phase of elections scheduled for May 7.
This alarming event follows closely on the heels of a fatal encounter in Assam’s Sonitpur district, where three individuals, including two forest guards, lost their lives in an elephant attack. The tragic incident occurred when a wild elephant strayed into Dhirai Majuli village from the nearby Dhekiajuli forest, fatally trampling the victims during a routine forest patrol.
The deceased, identified as forest guards Koleswar Boro and Biren Rava, along with local resident Jatin Tanti, succumbed to the elephant’s aggression, while another forest department employee, Dibakar Malakar, sustained severe injuries and is currently hospitalized.
These distressing events underscore the pressing need for comprehensive measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and ensure the safety of both human populations and the natural habitats of wild animals.