Overview
- The elephant remains at large in West Singhbhum, with authorities reporting no consistent sightings in recent days.
- Roughly 80 forest officers are conducting searches with drones and using tranquilliser darts in an attempt to capture the animal.
- Fear has pushed residents across more than 20 villages to sleep on rooftops or treetops and to avoid going outdoors after dark.
- Reported fatalities range from 20 to 22, including four children—one an eight-month-old baby—and an elephant handler, according to officials and local reports.
- Divisional forest officer Aditya Narayan said the elephant trampled anyone in its path, noting one family lost four members, and the state has announced Rs 4 lakh compensation for next of kin.