A wild elephant in India has attacked people, killing 20 individuals within only 9 days. Authorities have not yet captured the elephant and have mobilized over 100 personnel to intensify the search efforts.
Foreign news agencies reported on 12 Jan 2026 that a wild elephant in Jharkhand state, eastern India, has caused at least 20 deaths within just 9 days. Officials have still been unable to capture the elephant.
The tragic incidents took place from 1 to 9 January in the Chaibasa and Kolhan forest areas of West Singhbhum district, part of one of Asia's largest sal forests.
Conflicts between humans and wild elephants in India have occurred for many years. Officials and researchers say the causes relate to shrinking forest areas, fragmented habitats, and increased human activity near elephant corridors.
Officials revealed that more than 100 forest officers have been deployed in a major operation to locate this elephant.
Guldeep Meena, a forest officer in Jharkhand, said, “This is an unprecedented situation. It is the first time such a large number of deaths have been linked to a single male elephant in this region.” He added that authorities have declared the highest level of vigilance across the area to prevent further loss of life and property.
Meena also said the most urgent priority now is to track, capture, and safely return the animal to the forest.
Chandan Kumar, the Jharkhand governor, told the BBC that forest officials were among the 20 deceased. The government has announced compensation for the families of the victims.
Most deaths occurred at night while villagers were guarding their harvested rice stored in fields and granaries, a common practice in rural India.
Officials reported that one victim, a 34-year-old man, was attacked near his home in Bodijari village while returning from work.
In Birsingh Hatu village, a 62-year-old man was killed while guarding his fields. On the same night, a 42-year-old man from a nearby village was trampled to death by the elephant while sleeping outside his home, according to his son.
In another incident on 5 January, Kundra Bahoda and his two sons, aged 6 and 8, were killed by the elephant. His wife managed to escape with their injured 2-year-old daughter.
Forest officials said the elephant is young, very agile, and frequently changes locations, especially at night, making it difficult to track. Teams have used traditional drum signals to warn villagers and advised people not to go outside or sleep outdoors at night.
Meena stated that initial assessments indicate the elephant may be in musth, which causes increased aggression. Normally, this behavior subsides within 15 to 20 days.
Officials also suspect the elephant may have become separated from its herd, emphasizing the need to locate it and help it rejoin other elephants in the forest.
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Source:bbc