Fear and grief have gripped the Surajpur district as a rogue elephant, widely recognized by its distinctive torn ears, continues its deadly rampage across the region. In a single night, the aggressive animal claimed the lives of two more villagers, pushing its grim tally to 15 fatalities over the past six months. Despite repeated incidents and mounting casualties, local residents allege that the forest department has offered little more than hollow claims and empty promises, leaving ordinary citizens entirely unprotected against the rampaging animal.
Farmer Crushed While Guarding Paddy Crop on Diwali
The first tragedy unfolded in Pando Para village under the Sonpur forest range of the Surajpur division. Thirty-six-year-old Mohan Lal Kanwar, also known as Mattu Lal, had gone out to his fields on Diwali night after finishing his dinner. He was keeping watch over his standing paddy crop to protect it from stray animals when the rogue elephant suddenly ambushed him. The animal caught him off guard and crushed him to death on the spot, turning a night of festival celebrations into an instant nightmare for the local community.
Second Incident Claims Life During Search in Shyam Nagar
The second fatal attack took place in Shyam Nagar village within the Pratappur forest range. Fifty-one-year-old Krishna Rajwade had stepped out with an associate to search for poultry when they encountered the same aggressive elephant. The animal pounced on Rajwade and trampled him fatally. This sparked intense friction between agitated villagers and forest department personnel who arrived at the scene. Residents strongly accused the department of gross negligence and demanded strict action. Protesters relented only after officials promised a compensation of 50,000 rupees and a job for the bereaved family, though anger remained palpable.
Villagers Demand Round-the-Clock Monitoring and Rescue
In the wake of the twin tragedies, local residents have strongly demanded round-the-clock monitoring of the animal and its immediate transfer to a rescue center. Meanwhile, police have documented the details of the incidents, and forest officials have responded with familiar assurances of tranquilizing the rogue elephant and fitting it with a collar ID. With the animal continuing its relentless killing spree and authorities allegedly failing to act decisively, public frustration has reached a boiling point across the district.
Normal daily life has come to a standstill as villagers are now terrified to step out of their homes even for essential chores. While residents live in constant dread of the next attack, critics point out that responsible officials within the forest department continue to evade their core duties, allowing the fatal threat to persist unchecked in local communities.
