Kharibari, 02nd September: An elderly man was severely injured after encountering a herd of elephants while on his morning walk. The victim, identified as Nar Bahadur Chhetri (72) from Southern Rathkhola in Naxalbari, was injured early Monday morning.
According to reports, Chhetri was taking his morning walk in the Kalidanga area of Kharibari when he suddenly spotted a herd of wild elephants emerging from the Jharu Jote forest towards the Tukriajhar Forest. The elephants, alarmed by his presence, attacked the elderly man.
Upon being alerted by the sound of the elephants, the local residents rushed to the scene and managed to rescue the injured man. He was subsequently transported to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH), where he is currently in a critical condition and undergoing treatment.
In this regard, Debesh Pandey, the Deputy Director of the Kurseong Forest Division, stated that the incident occurred as Chhetri was walking in the elephant zone in the morning. He advised the people against wandering in dark areas of the forest. Later, the forest officials made use of loudspeakers to warn the public about being careful.