Jharkhand News : Panic gripped Hadat village in the Ichagarh block of Jharkhand’s Seraikela-Kharsawan district after a wild elephant attacked a family in the early hours of Saturday. The incident occurred around 3 a.m., leaving a mother and her daughter dead on the spot, while two elderly family members sustained critical injuries.
According to villagers, the elephant suddenly entered the village and targeted the house of Mohanlal Mahto. The family had little time to react as the attack unfolded in the dead of night. The elephant reportedly stormed into the house, causing widespread destruction and trampling those inside.
The deceased have been identified as 35-year-old China Devi and her 13-year-old daughter Amita. Both died instantly after being brutally crushed by the elephant. The tragic deaths have cast a pall of gloom over the entire village.
Meanwhile, the head of the family, 72-year-old Mohanlal Mahto, and 70-year-old Santula Devi were seriously injured in the attack. They were rushed to a nearby hospital and later referred to MGM Hospital in Jamshedpur for advanced treatment. Their condition remains critical.
Forest department officials reached the spot soon after receiving information about the incident. Local police also arrived and are working to manage the situation and ensure safety in the area.
As immediate relief, the forest department has provided ₹50,000 each to the families of the deceased. Officials stated that after completing necessary formalities, compensation of ₹3.5 lakh will be given to the next of kin of each victim.
The bodies have been sent to Seraikela Sadar Hospital for post-mortem. Fear has gripped the village following the incident, with residents avoiding stepping out at night due to concerns about the elephant’s possible return.
Authorities have intensified monitoring of elephant movement in the area and advised villagers to remain alert, avoid venturing out alone at night, and stay in safe locations.
Rising Human-Elephant Conflict a Concern
The incident has once again highlighted the growing issue of human-elephant conflict in rural areas. Villagers have urged the administration and forest department to implement long-term solutions to prevent such tragic events in the future.
