Nagaon (Assam), 15 May (HS): A pall of gloom descended over Assam’s Nagaon district on Friday after two villagers lost their lives in a tragic wild elephant attack, once again exposing the painful and growing conflict between humans and wildlife in the state.

The heartbreaking incident took place in Bajiagaon village under Samaguri in the early hours of Friday. The deceased have been identified as Shariful Islam and Pranab Das, both residents of the village. While Shariful Islam killed on the spot after being attacked by the elephant, Pranab Das succumbed to his injuries during treatment at a hospital.

According to local residents, both the men had gone to guard their vegetable fields from wild animals when they suddenly spotted the elephant inside the farmland. In an attempt to save their crops and drive the animal away, the duo confronted the elephant. However, the frightened wild elephant turned aggressive and charged at them.

Villagers said both men desperately tried to escape and save their lives, but the enraged elephant caught them before they could flee. The tragic deaths have left family members devastated and the entire village in deep mourning.

Soon after the incident, teams from the Forest Department rushed to the spot and launched an operation to drive the elephant back into the nearby forest. Due to fear and panic in the area following the attack, local schools have also been ordered shut for the day.

Police later recovered the bodies and sent them for post-mortem examination. Further investigation into the incident is currently underway.

The tragedy has once again triggered anger and frustration among villagers, who alleged that wild elephants frequently enter human settlements, destroy crops and damage homes, while the Forest Department has repeatedly failed to provide a lasting solution to the crisis.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash