A rampaging elephant kills 20 people in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district – children and elderly included. The animal strayed from nearby forest cover.
The incident began early in the morning around 5:30 a.m. Local residents were gathering for daily work.
The wild elephant emerged from the Gorumara National Park boundary. It charged into crowds near a village market area.
Panic spread quickly as people tried to flee the area. The elephant trampled anyone in its path.
Villagers attempted to scare the animal away with loud noises. They waved sticks and bright torches to no avail.
Forest department teams were at the scene with tranquilliser guns.
The elephant continued its rampage for nearly two hours. It damaged several huts and small shops.
Medical teams from nearby towns arrived to treat survivors. They transported injured people to district hospitals.
Forest officials tranquillise the elephant and moved it to a secure enclosure in the national park.
Local leaders have called for emergency relief for affected families. The chief minister has promised financial aid.
Conservation experts are investigating why the elephant strayed. They suspect habitat loss forced it into human areas.
The region has seen rising human-elephant conflict in recent years.
Wildlife groups are pushing for better early warning systems. They want to prevent similar tragedies in future.
Authorities have deployed additional forest guards to the area. They are monitoring elephant movements closely.
Families of the victims are preparing funeral ceremonies this week. The community is mourning the sudden loss.
The government has announced a special task force on animal conflict. It will review existing protection measures.
Experts are working to expand forest corridors for safe passage. They aim to reduce contact between humans and wildlife.
Local schools have closed temporarily out of respect. Students are helping with relief distribution efforts.
The rampaging elephant kills 20 people event has sparked national concern. It highlights urgent conservation and safety challenges.