Four Villagers, Including Two Minor Boys, Trampled to Death by Wild Elephants in Assam

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Tragic Elephant Attack Claims Four Lives in Assam’s Karbi Anglong District

GUWAHATI: In a heartbreaking incident, four villagers, including two young boys, were trampled to death by wild elephants in the hilly region of Karbi Anglong in Assam on Thursday. The deceased have been identified as Kania Toria (55), Ribika Kerketta (28), Geseya Kerketta (3), and one-and-a-half-year-old Augustin Karmakar, all from Bormanthi village.

According to forest department officials, the incident occurred around noon when Kania and Ribika were cutting grass, presumably to feed their cattle, in a secluded area in the Lalubasti region near Bokajan town. The two boys were accompanying them at the time.

“Elephants have been frequently roaming around this village to eat paddy. As it is the harvesting season, we have deployed forest guards in the village, especially during the night. However, this incident was beyond our control,” said Pranab Terang, the range officer of Eastern Range (Bokajan).

The bodies of the four victims will undergo post-mortem examination on Friday. Forest officials mentioned that while wild elephants from the nearby hills often descend into the village, such fatalities had not been reported for several months.

“With the support of village volunteers, we have been able to prevent human deaths in this area. However, this incident took us by surprise,” added a forest official.

Elephant-human conflicts have become a recurring issue in many parts of Assam, with the destruction of natural habitats forcing wild elephants to venture into villages and agricultural fields in search of food. This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the need for effective measures to mitigate such conflicts and protect both human lives and wildlife.

The authorities must continue their efforts to establish early warning systems, strengthen forest patrols, and raise awareness among local communities about the importance of coexistence with wildlife. Additionally, exploring the possibility of creating buffer zones or alternative feeding grounds for elephants could help mitigate the risks associated with their foraging activities near human settlements.

The loss of four lives in this devastating incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that prioritize the safety of both humans and elephants. It is crucial to address the root causes of such conflicts and work towards sustainable solutions that promote harmonious living between communities and wildlife. Only through collective efforts can we ensure the preservation of both human lives and the rich biodiversity of Assam..