Naxalbari, 18th November: The forest department has provided financial assistance to the family of two brothers who were killed in an elephant attack while returning home. The tragic incident occurred on the road to Hathighisa in the Maurijote area of Naxalbari.
On Monday, Arun Ghosh, Sabhadhipati of the Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad, and Debesh Pandey, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Kurseong, handed over a financial aid cheque worth ₹5 lakh to the bereaved family. Additionally, as per state government regulations, the families will be offered jobs within the forest department.
During this, the officials present were ADFO Rahul Deb Mukherjee, Kishori Mohan Singh, the Karmadhyaksha of the Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad, Asraf Ansari, Chairperson of Naxalbari Panchayat Samiti, Catherine Tamang, Pradhan of Hatighisa Gram Panchayat, and Sonam Bhutia, Range Officer of the Bagdogra Forest Range.
While expressing his condolences, DFO Debesh Pandey assured employment for the family members in the coming days. He further explained that the incident was caused by the accumulation of waste on the Asian Highway, which attracted elephants to the area. Pandey urged the public to be more aware and take responsibility for keeping the roads clean.
Meanwhile, the local authorities have arranged for street lights in the area and have been providing continued support to the affected family since the incident. Sabhadhipati Arun Ghosh reassured the public that the government will stand by the citizens in times of crisis.