Guwahati, 27th November: In a tragic incident highlighting the ongoing man-elephant conflict in Assam’s Goalpara district, a marauding elephant trampled a 45-year-old woman to death in Tengabari under the Mornoi police station.
The victim identified as Sharbhanu Begum, had gone to the well behind her house to wash utensils after dinner when the aggressive elephant appeared suddenly, attacking and causing her death.
Local residents immediately informed the forest department, leading to the immediate response of a team of forest officials and the Mornoi police station.
They reached the scene during the night after which they recovered the body, and sent it for post-mortem at the Goalpara civil hospital.
The victim’s house was situated near the Krishnai reserve forest, where encounters with elephants are common.
This year alone, 13 individuals have lost their lives in elephant attacks in various parts of Goalpara district.
Recently, a large herd of elephants has been reported in areas like Mornoi, Tengabari, Dalgama, and Dahikota.
The man-elephant conflict is exacerbated by the shrinking forest cover and food scarcity, compelling elephants to venture into human habitats in search of sustenance. This ongoing conflict often leads to tragic consequences for both humans and elephants.