Goalpara

(Assam), 3 January (HS):

The issue of human–elephant conflict resurfaced in Assam’s Goalpara district after a wild elephant attacked a villager, leaving him critically injured. The incident occurred early hours of Saturday at Bhalukjuli village under the Rangjuli area, triggering panic among local residents.

According to information received from the Forest Department, a lone wild elephant, believed to have strayed from its herd in search of food, entered the village. During this time, the elephant suddenly attacked a local resident identified as Dharmendra Basumatary, causing him serious injuries.

Following the incident, villagers rushed the injured man to Rangjuli Hospital, where he was given first aid. Considering his critical condition, doctors later referred him to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) for advanced treatment.

Local residents stated that wild elephants frequently enter residential areas while villagers are bringing harvested paddy from the fields, leading to a rise in incidents of human–elephant conflict. The movement of elephants has spread fear in the area, with many villagers avoiding going out at night.

The villagers have urged the Forest Department to intensify patrolling in the area and take concrete measures to safely drive the elephants back into the forest, in order to prevent such incidents in the future.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash