In one gut-wrenching incident, a herd of wild elephants trampled six people to death, including four members of one family, in Gondwar village in the Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand. On the early hours of Friday, February 13, 2026, during a violent rampage, the local killing spree left the community stunned and mourning.
The gang of five elephants had entered the Ango Gondwar Bhuiyan Toli village under the Churchu block between 1 AM and 2 AM during the sleeping period, forest officials said.
The Night of Terror: How It All Occurred
The elephants roamed into the settlement in search of food grains, supposedly fleeing the Bokaro-Ramgarh border area. The villagers and Forest Department were startled to find unexpected visitors entering Hazaribagh.
- The Victims: A 60-year-old man, his daughter-in-law and two small children (ages 1 and 4) died. An additional pair of villagers also died in the chaos.
- The Attack: The herd, with reports, overturned gates and shattered the walls of mud houses. When family members sensed the danger and tried to escape, they were surrounded and trampled.
- Survivors: One person suffered catastrophic injuries and is already in therapy at Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital.
Forest Department's Response
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Vikas Kumar Ujjwal said the department had been monitoring the herd and had made public announcements via PA system but elephants were moving quickly and aggressively, which made evacuation difficult. “Wild elephants had never been seen in this area before. The disconnect on both sides people who aren’t familiar with elephant behavior, elephants who aren’t familiar with the landscape put this into an aggressive showdown as well,” the DFO said.
Current Measures
A Quick Response Team (QRT) has been sent to take the herd into the Kargi forest. The herd has exhibited extreme aggression and the department has asked for permission to tranquilize them. Compensation for the families of the deceased is being processed as per government policies.
Safety Warning for Residents
Churchu’s residents and locals along nearby blocks have been warned to remain highly vigilant, authorities have insisted.
- Remain Inside: Don’t venture near forests or nearby areas during the night.
- Don’t be Aggressive: Avoid trying to drive the elephants away on your own with your torches or drums because it can lead to further attacks.
- Report Sightings: Report seeing a herd: Go to the local centre for forest range if people see a herd there.
