A herd of 18 elephants rampaged through a village in Jharkhand, India, killing six people, including a three-month-old baby, and injuring another child. The incident occurred around midnight when the elephants tore through homes, leaving devastation in their wake.
Divisional Forest Officer Vikas Kumar Ujjwal confirmed the tragedy, stating that four members of one family were among the dead. The injured child was admitted to Sadar Hospital in Hazaribagh for treatment. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid wooded areas, as the herd has been roaming nearby districts for days.
Local resident described the attack: 'They came suddenly and destroyed everything in their path.' One elderly woman was the sole survivor from her household. Authorities have installed loudspeakers to warn of further danger and promised compensation to grieving families under government rules.
Local MLA Nirmal Mahato expressed anger, saying: 'It is heartbreaking to lose six lives in one night. The department has failed to act decisively, and villagers are paying the price.' The tragedy highlights ongoing human-elephant conflict in Jharkhand, where migration routes often drive elephants into populated areas.
Over recent months, several lives have been lost in similar confrontations. Villagers are demanding stronger measures to prevent future incidents, as fear grips the community.
