Seven Killed in Elephant Rampage in Jharkhand

Brief By Newsbrief / 9:17 AM on 15 Feb 2026

At least seven people were killed after a herd of wild elephants went on a rampage in villages under Churchu block of Hazaribagh district late Thursday night. The attacks struck Gondwar and Kajri villages while residents were asleep, leaving them little chance to escape. Four members of a single family, including two children, were among the dead. Another woman was killed in neighbouring Kajri village, officials said.

The incident has intensified concerns over the worsening human-elephant conflict in Jharkhand. Forest officials say shrinking forest cover, mining activity and encroachment on traditional elephant corridors are forcing herds into human settlements in search of food and shelter. Similar attacks have been reported across the state in recent months, resulting in dozens of fatalities.

Angry villagers have demanded immediate intervention, enhanced patrolling and the introduction of early warning systems to prevent further loss of life. Forest department teams remain deployed, but fear continues to grip the area.