Indian authorities are searching for an aggressive elephant responsible for 20 deaths and 15 injuries. Residents are afraid and are barricading themselves in their homes.

In Jharkhand, India, wildlife department agents have launched a search operation for a wandering elephant that has caused the death of 20 people and injured another 15 since the beginning of January. This solitary male has terrorized communities in the West Singhbhum district for nine days, and authorities confirm the tragic toll. Although the elephant has not been seen since last Friday, search teams, including drones, are exploring the dense forests and nearby national reserves. Residents of over 20 villages have barricaded themselves in their homes, fearing attacks. Solitary male elephants, especially during the mating season, can become extremely aggressive. Conflicts between humans and elephants have increased due to the reduction of natural habitat, and data shows that 629 people were killed in India in 2023-2024 due to these conflicts. The total number of wild elephants in India has decreased by 25% in recent years.