In a tragic incident at Chakmaghat area of Khowai district, a 70-year-old man named Nirudh Chowdhury lost his life after being attacked by a wild elephant on Sunday evening. Nirudh, a resident of Kapali Tilla, had ventured into a jungle approximately 2 km from his home to collect firewood when the deadly encounter occurred, resulting in his immediate demise.
The area has long been a hot spot of man animal conflict with regular reports of wild elephants entering into the villages damaging homes and croplands and often trampling people pour in. There seems to be no respite for the wild jumbo attacks and the localities turned out to be classic case study for man-animal confrontations.
Following the Sunday’s incident, a group of forest personnel and journalists visited the scene, but they encountered hostility from the local villagers. Some forest staff members reportedly sustained injuries during the villagers’ reaction. Additionally, Hiranmoy Roy, a local reporter, was also injured and subsequently sought medical attention before providing details of the incident to the Teliamura police station.
The situation remained tense and volatile at the site of the tragedy until authorities intervened. A
large contingent of police, led by OC Teliamura Rajib Debnath, swiftly arrived to manage the situation and restore order. SDPO Teliamura Sudambika R. confirmed the unfortunate death of Nirudh Chowdhury and assured that despite the tense atmosphere, the situation was under control. She mentioned that the deceased’s body had been sent for post-mortem examination.
This distressing event highlights the risks faced by villagers living near wildlife habitats and underscores the need for effective wildlife management strategies to mitigate such incidents. The response from law enforcement and local authorities reflects their commitment to addressing community concerns and maintaining peace during challenging circumstances. The tragic loss of Nirudh Chowdhury serves as a poignant reminder of the coexistence challenges between humans and wildlife in areas where such interactions are common.
