On 15 August 2024, six elephants entered Raj College Colony on the outskirts of Jhargram town, at around 5.20 AM in the morning. These included two tuskers, two females and two calves.

The two females with two calves entered the Raj College compound at around 6.50 AM and broke some of the walls

 

In the colony area adjacent to the aforesaid college, a tusker killed an elderly resident at around 7.10 am. A Hulla team armed with iron rods and burning mashals arrived trying to chase the elephant away. The locals have indicated that the Hulla team was working with full knowledge of the Forest department.

A tusker from this group was shot multiple times with tranquiliser darts at around 12.30 pm at Dharampur football ground by the forest department. It was initially rescued but apparently let go as well, and was not being able to walk properly after being released. Not confirmed as of yet if this was the tusker that killed the person, or the other tusker.

The female  mother elephant was chased by a Hulla party adjoining the college grounds. They threw burning mashals (iron rod tipped with fire) at the female elephant. She was struck by a hulla rod at around 4.30 pm on her hindquarters and collapsed soon, struggling to get up. The Hulla rod or Mashal that hit her got stuck on her back and destroyed her spine.

The female elephant was taken away by the Forest Department at around 12.30 am on 16 August for treatment at the Deer Park grounds after a delay of more than 8 hours and finally succumbed to her injury on 16th Aug 2024 around 11pm.

 

Want to know:

What was the necessity to drive the elephants in day when they were inside a unused campus of the college, and it is known that Hulla is not effective during day. There has been gross negligence by the DFO, ADFO, RO & BO who were all present in the field. Also, Vet was in the field as they had tranquilized a tusker in the morning, then why help from the VET wasn't taken and allowed the female pregnanat elephant to die in front of the yes.

 

We demand justice for the slain elephant and call for the following actions:

Immediate Investigation: The West Bengal Forest Department should form a committee consisting of experts in human-elephant conflict resolution, including NGOs actively working in West Bengal and other states with successful interventions, as well as representatives from relevant departments.

Strict Action Against Animal Cruelty: According to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, Section BNS 325, we demand the implementation of strict measures to prevent such cruel acts against wildlife in the future.

Protection of Elephant Habitats: Strengthen efforts to protect elephant habitats to prevent human-wildlife conflicts.

Awareness and Education: Educate villagers and communities about wildlife conservation and peaceful coexistence with animals.

Strengthen Wildlife Protection Laws: Review and strengthen existing wildlife protection laws to ensure the safety and dignity of wild animals.

This petition seeks to raise awareness and urge the authorities to take action to prevent such tragedies from happening again. Elephants are vital to our ecosystem, and they deserve to live without fear of violence and cruelty.

 

Sign this petition to demand justice for the innocent elephant and to take a stand against animal cruelty. Together, we can make a difference.