Drunk man injured after attacked by elephant herd

Bokaro: A 28-year-old man was injured after he was attacked by a herd of 12 elephants near Kusumdih and Badki Punnu villages under Mahuatand police station in the district late on Wednesday. The quick response team (QRT) of the forest department, which rescued the victim, warned residents against venturing out at night in forest areas.

Forest officer, Sundeep Shinde said that a herd has been spotted moving through the area. “The injured was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and was travelling alone when he encountered the herd and was attacked,” he said.

The victim, identified as Kartik Besra of Keri village in Tikahara panchayat, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Ramgarh. Officials said his condition is stable.

Vijay Kumar Gupta, a member of the elephant-driving team, said that the personnel stationed near a bridge had stopped Besra and warned him not to proceed further as elephants were active ahead. “However, he continued towards the forested route and was attacked within moments,” he said.

Hearing his cries for help, QRT rushed to the spot and managed to drive the elephant away.