20 Dead, Dozens Injured: India Wildlife Teams Hunt Elephant After Violent 9-Day Rampage

Wildlife officers in eastern India are searching for a lone bull elephant blamed for killing at least 20 people and injuring around 15 others in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district. Officials and residents say the attacks unfolded over roughly nine days in early January, turning everyday routines in rural communities into a constant watch for danger.

Fear Spreads in West Singhbhum After a Deadly Elephant Rampage

In the villages closest to the forest, anxiety rose as reports moved from one community to the next, especially as the attacks continued over several days.

Forest officer Aditya Narayan said teams have been assigned to track the elephant and take it into custody. Officials say children and older adults are among those killed, along with a professional elephant handler, known as a mahout.

Tracking Efforts Intensify as Patrols Come Up Empty