Guwahati, 29th September: A tragic incident unfolded in Assam’s Jorhat district when a forest department official lost his life, and four others sustained severe injuries following an attack by wild elephants.
The deceased forest official has been identified as Atul Kalita, serving as an officer at the Mariani Forest Range.
Reports indicate that the incident occurred when a team of forest personnel arrived at Bijoy Nagar in Jorhat’s Titabor area to disperse a herd of elephants that had caused disturbances in the locality late on Thursday night.
Sources revealed that the forest personnel were inadequately equipped with weapons and tools to manage the situation and safely drive away the elephants. Consequently, the elephants turned aggressive and attacked the forest personnel.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, local residents swiftly rushed all four injured forest personnel to the Jorhat Medical College and Hospital (JMCH). At present, these individuals are receiving medical treatment at the hospital as they work towards recovery.
This tragic event underscores the challenges faced by forest officials and the need for enhanced safety measures and equipment to manage human-wildlife conflicts effectively. The loss of Atul Kalita serves as a reminder of the dedication and risks associated with protecting the natural habitat and wildlife in the region.