Two youths, Tushar Das and Narayan Das, lost their lives in the early hours of Thursday after being fatally attacked by an elephant while attempting to help drive a herd away from their village.
The tragic incident occurred in the Takimari Biren Basti area of Jalpaiguri district’s Rajganj, sparking widespread anger and protest among residents.
According to local sources, a herd of elephants stormed the Dudhia Char area on Wednesday night. In response, villagers, including the two deceased youths, joined forest department personnel to chase the elephants away. However, on their way back home at dawn, a lone elephant that had separated from the herd attacked and trampled the two young men.
This is the third such fatality in the area within a week. On 14 May, Rajesh Oraon (36) also died following an elephant attack. In a powerful display of grief and anger, local residents staged a protest by placing the bodies of the deceased and surrounding a forest department vehicle, demanding accountability and immediate action.
Residents allege that the forest department has failed to take meaningful steps to control the increasing number of elephant incursions from the nearby Baikunthapur forest into the Teesta Char and surrounding areas of Jalpaiguri district.
A herd of over 100 elephants is said to have been entering the region regularly, breaking into smaller groups after sunset and causing extensive damage to homes, crops and human lives.
“We’ve been living in fear for weeks. Despite repeatedly informing the forest department, no proper action has been taken. Now, lives are being lost,” said Anukul Roy, a local resident.
Baikunthapur Forest Division Officer (DFO) Raja M confirmed the deaths. “We are monitoring the situation closely. The families of the deceased will be compensated,” he said.
However, residents claim that compensation is not enough and are demanding a sustainable and proactive approach to managing human-elephant conflict in the region.
Rajganj MLA Khageshwar Roy, who had previously visited the affected areas, expressed concern over the repeated incidents. “I have spoken to both the police and the forest department regarding the recent attacks. Now, with two more fatalities, urgent intervention is needed,” he added.
The rising toll and property damage from elephant attacks have turned the spotlight back on the forest department’s preparedness and response mechanisms.
As fear grips the communities bordering Baikunthapur forest, locals continue to call for stronger, more effective wildlife management strategies before more lives are lost.
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