Wild elephants crush six to death in Indian states of Jharkhand and Karnataka

A wild elephant that got separated from its herd has trampled four persons including two women, to death in Indian state of Jharkhand's Lohardaga district in a span of 12 hours, an official said on Monday.

The deceased have been identified as Jhalo Oraon, 28; Neha Devi, 20; Lal Mohan Mahto, 65, and Muniya Devi.

When the elephant entered Masiyatu village on Sunday evening, the people tried to shoo it away, which apparently angered the animal, who then attacked Muniya Devi and wrapped her in its trunk.

The elephant then went on to attack three more persons near Kaspur village on Monday morning. The series of attacks has created panic among the people of the area, a local resident said. The locals in the area claimed that the forest department has not taken any steps to check the elephant attacks.

Meanwhile, a team of the forest department rushed to Kaspur village. A commotion-like situation was witnessed in Kaspur and its adjoining areas.

In a bid to control the situation, the villagers are being alerted and provided updates through loudspeakers.

Wild elephant attack in Karnataka

In a separate development, two persons, including a young woman, were killed in a wild elephant attack in Meenadi in Kadaba taluk of Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district on Monday.

The deceased were identified as Ranjitha, who worked at a milk society in Peradka and local resident Ramesh Rai. According to authorities, Ranjitha was attacked by the elephant when she was going to work from her residence.

Another victim, Ramesh Rai, who was in the spot was also attacked by the raging elephant. Rajesh Rai died on the spot and locals though managed to shift Ranjitha to a hospital, she succumbed to her injuries.

Hundreds of villagers gathered at the spot and protested against the authorities. They demanded security from attacks by the wild animals. They feared that as Summer is setting in, the wild animals, especially elephants and leopards, tend to come out of forests in search of water and food and there will be no security to them.

The forest authorities rushed to the spot and are evaluating the situation. They have assured people that the elephant would be caught and relocated.

Indo-Asian News Service