Nagaon, 20 December (HS): At least seven elephants were killed after a Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express train rammed into a herd at Chanjurai, between Kampur and Jamunamukh sections under the Lumding Division of Northeast Frontier Railway in Assam.

The tragic incident occurred when the high-speed Rajdhani Express reportedly encountered the elephants on the track in the early hours, leading to the death of seven pachyderms on the spot. The collision caused shock and outrage among wildlife lovers and local residents, as the stretch is known to be an elephant movement corridor.

Forest and railway officials rushed to the site soon after the incident. While train movement was temporarily affected, no injuries to passengers were reported. Senior officials of the Forest Department and NF Railway have initiated preliminary inquiries.

Questions have now been raised over possible lapses, including train speed regulation, early warning mechanisms, and coordination between railway and forest authorities. Sources indicated that a departmental inquiry is likely to be ordered to ascertain responsibility and to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash