High alert after death of elephant in Bokaro, forest department declared red zone, bloody conflict between villagers and elephants:

News India Live, Digital Desk: The death of an elephant under suspicious circumstances in Bokaro district of Jharkhand has given sleepless nights to the forest department and the district administration. After the death of the elephant, there is an atmosphere of great tension in the forests of the area. Taking this incident seriously, the Forest Department has issued ‘high alert’ in the entire area. It is feared that a herd of elephants angry over the death of their companion may attack residential areas, in view of which the border villages have been declared red zones.

Sensation increased due to suspicious death, rangers and guards deployed

After the dead body of an elephant was found in the forests of Bokaro, the forest department team has cordoned off the spot. Preliminary investigation has not revealed the clear cause of death, but the possibility of electric wire or poisoning has not been ruled out. The department is avoiding reaching any conclusion until the post-mortem report comes. Considering the sensitivity of the situation, special Quick Response Team (QRT) has been deployed and leaves of forest guards have been cancelled.

Villagers in fear of elephants’ revenge fire

Experts who study elephant behavior believe that elephants become extremely aggressive and vengeful when a member of the herd dies. They often attack that area and surrounding villages. Sensing this danger, the administration has made a Munadi (announcement) in Dumri and half a dozen surrounding villages. People have been instructed not to come out of their homes after evening, to keep spices ready and not to make noise if an elephant is seen.

Tight fencing to protect fields and houses

The Divisional Forest Officer has directed that the movement of elephants should be monitored 24 hours. The location of the elephant herd is being traced with the help of drone cameras. The main objective of the department is to drive the elephants towards dense forests so that they do not move towards populated areas. Patrolling by forest personnel has been increased in the fields where crops are grown. An appeal has also been made to the villagers not to harm the elephant under any circumstances, otherwise the situation may go further out of control.

Poachers and anti-social elements under investigation

Whether the death of the elephant is just an accident or poachers are behind it is also being investigated thoroughly. A special team of the Forest Department is raiding nearby suspicious locations. The department has made it clear that if anyone’s negligence or involvement is found in this matter, strict action will be taken under the Wildlife Protection Act. At present, there is silence in the areas adjacent to the forest of Bokaro and people are spending their nights in the shadow of fear.