Rajganj, 20th August: An elephant ventured into a residential area from the Baikunthapur forest early Thursday morning, triggering panic in the Buri More area near Fatapukur in Rajganj block.
According to reports, the elephant emerged from the Baikunthapur forest and moved through Sarkarpara, Sariam and Chikupura before reaching Buri More. It later took shelter in a tea garden in the area.
After news of the elephant entering the locality spread, forest personnel from the Belakoba and Ambari ranges reached the spot. Police from Rajganj Police Station also arrived to help maintain the situation. A large crowd gathered in the area to see the elephant.
Local residents said the elephant entered a tea garden in the village early in the morning, creating panic in the area. However, no damage or injuries have been reported so far.
Baikunthapur Division ADFO Rajiv Lama also reached the spot. He said the elephant is an adult Makna and that the Forest Department is trying to safely guide it away from the locality and back into the forest.
Lama said public safety was the immediate priority as a large number of people had gathered in the area and a road was also nearby. Forest personnel are monitoring the situation and working to ensure that the elephant is safely guided back into the forest.
The Forest Department is conducting announcements through loudspeakers, urging local residents not to approach the elephant or gather unnecessarily. Forest personnel are keeping a close watch on the situation to ensure public safety.