Elephant Attacks in Jharkhand Kill Two; Herds Continue to Damage Crops and Villages

Ranchi — The threat from wild elephants continues across parts of Jharkhand, with two people killed in a fresh attack in Koderma, while herds also caused damage in the neighbouring Seraikela-Kharsawan district, officials said on Wednesday.

In the Jainagar police station area of Koderma, a herd of elephants attacked a brick kiln at Kanjhiyadih village on Tuesday night, destroying temporary houses and spreading panic among workers.

A 32-year-old labourer, Rajkumar Manjhi from Bihar’s Fatehpur village, and a 12-year-old boy, Lovkush, were trampled to death in the incident. Three others—Gauri Devi, Kari Devi, and a toddler—were seriously injured and are currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Following the attack, local residents expressed anger towards the forest department, alleging a lack of effective measures to drive away elephants despite their frequent movement in the area.

The latest incident comes just days after another fatal attack on April 19 in Koderma’s Satgawan block, which triggered protests. Villagers had blocked the Gaya–Deoghar road, demanding compensation and stronger safety measures.

Meanwhile, in Seraikela-Kharsawan district, an elephant created havoc in Tiruldih village under the Chandil forest area. It entered a primary school and consumed nearly one and a half quintals of rice meant for the midday meal scheme. The animal also damaged banana and vegetable crops in nearby villages, including Bana, and destroyed cucumber fields.

Residents say elephant herds have been camping in the Chandil subdivision for years, often venturing into villages after dark. Repeated incidents have left villagers living in constant fear, with many staying awake at night to guard their homes, livestock, and crops.

With inputs from IANS