November 14, 2018: A herd of elephants has created panic and villagers of Daspara at Jaruilong area under Teliamura Police Station in Tripura are spending sleepless nights. Local sources said, two male elephants entered Daspara after crossing surrounding canal and destroyed crops. “Elephants ravaged neighbouring Bhumiheen Colony on earlier occasions, however, jumbo herd never attempted to cross the canal and enter in Daspara”, residents said.
Two male elephants entered into Daspara – inhabited by 70 families belonging to both tribal and non-tribal communities. Elephants went on rampage and damaged paddy and vegetable crops spread across 10 kani cultivable land. Also, elephants ran towards residence of one of the villagers. However, villagers started bursting crackers and lit fire. Scared at loud noises and fire, elephants fled bringing a temporary relief for panicked villagers.
“We immediately informed Forest Department personnel, however they arrived late and did nothing significant to save villagers from rampaging elephants. We spent sleepless night and patrolled the area”, residents alleged.
Ineffective and lukewarm response from the Forest Department personnel irked the villagers. “We are in constant fear and Forest Department personnel are not taking any step to prevent the another attack by wild jumbo”, said one Agniswar Das.
