Third Elephant Attack Death in Four Days Shakes Hojai

Hojai district is witnessing a sharp rise in human–elephant conflict, with three people killed in separate incidents within four days since the New Year. The latest incident occurred on January 4 in Radhanagar, where Prakash Biswas was trampled to death after a herd of wild elephants entered the area and destroyed his house.

Earlier, on January 1, Basudev Chouhan was killed near Milik Basti while grazing cattle, followed by the death of Anil Kumar Singh on January 2 near the Theplaguri forest area when a picnic group was attacked by elephants.

The repeated incidents have triggered fear and panic among residents of forest-fringe villages, who have alleged inadequate preventive measures by the Forest Department. Authorities and police have conducted formalities, but the incidents have raised serious concerns over safety, preparedness, and long-term mitigation of human–elephant conflict in the district.