Forest Department official provides financial aid to family of elephant attack victim

In a tragic incident in Kapali Tila, Teliamura, a 70-year-old man identified as Nirodh Chowdhury fell victim to a wild elephant attack on Sunday evening. Following the protocol, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Avinash Kanfade, extended financial assistance amounting to Rs 50, 000 to the deceased's family in the initial stage.

Despite the immediate aid, Kanfade assured further support for the grieving family in alignment with government regulations. Expressing his commitment to assist them through the coming days, he pledged adherence to the stipulated rules governing such circumstances.

However, the incident took a tumultuous turn when Forest Department personnel, accompanied by law enforcement from the Teliamura Police Station, responded to the scene upon receiving reports of the tragedy. Reports indicate that a segment of the local populace, allegedly incited by provocateurs, engaged in hostility towards the responding authorities.

During the altercation, which saw a scuffle between villagers and the authorities, including journalists, six individuals’ sustained injuries. Among the injured were Officer-in-Charge (OC) Rajib Debnath and his bodyguard Utpal Rudrapal from the Teliamura police, two forest department staff members, among others.

Prompt medical assistance was rendered to all injured parties at the Teliyamura Hospital. Subsequently, police sources disclosed the filing of a case against a total of fourteen individuals, inclusive of those representing the police force, journalists, and the forest department.

The incident underscores the challenges faced by officials in managing such critical situations, balancing the imperative of wildlife conservation with the safety and welfare of local communities. As investigations continue, the administration seeks to address the underlying concerns and restore peace within the affected community.