Overview
- A 50-year-old farmer identified as Gaurang (Buka) Mahato was confirmed dead after an elephant attack around 3 a.m. Sunday in Seraikela-Kharsawan district.
- There are differing public accounts on whether the attack occurred in Letemda or Nutundih and whether the victim was in a barn or guarding paddy at the time.
- Police and forest teams visited the site, gave the family Rs 50,000 as instant relief and said statutory compensation would follow after paperwork.
- Forest officials intensified night patrols, distributed torches and firecrackers to residents and advised people not to venture out after dark.
- Frequent elephant movement has disrupted operations on forest-fringe rail sections, with the Chakradharpur Division canceling 18 local trains from December 25 to 28.