One killed, 7 injured in jumbo raids

Villagers try to chase away a herd at Sahebpota on Friday. Picture by Anirban Choudhury

TT, Alipurduar, June 27: A woman was killed and seven persons were injured as 100-odd elephants raided several Dooars villages from last night. At least 30 huts have been damaged along with crops.

Last night, a herd of 40-odd elephants entered Sat Tondu forest village and damaged at least 17 huts. Papia Oraon, 35, was killed during the raid. Her daughter Munna, 7, has been admitted to the Jalpaiguri Sadar Hospital with injuries.

In another incident last night, around 30 elephants raided Kunjanagar village in Falakata and damaged at least 20 huts and crops. Local people and foresters chased away the elephants but a calf was left behind. The young animal was later taken to Jaldapara National Park.

Today around 6am, a herd of around 30 elephants entered Sahebpota and Shimlabari areas, 21km from here.

Forest sources said the animals had strayed out of Jaldapara forest after crossing the Torsha river. The elephants killed cattle, damaged 11 huts and crops. Around 11am, some of the elephants entered Chilapata forest.