Naxalbari, 28th February: An elephant herd entered the Bengai Jote area of Naxalbari late on Friday night in search of food, causing significant damage to standing crops.
According to sources, the herd strayed into the locality from the nearby Tukriajhar forest under the cover of darkness. The elephants first consumed sugarcane before moving into adjacent potato fields, where several bighas of land were reportedly damaged.
Locals said the herd comprised 11 elephants, including calves. The sudden movement of the animals created panic among residents in the area.
On receiving information, officials of the Tukriajhar forest department rushed to the spot. The herd later retreated towards the forest after forest personnel arrived.
Forest officials said the herd had entered the Tukriajhar forest area two days ago. Meanwhile, the department has been conducting awareness drives and making public announcements in nearby villages to alert residents about the elephant movement.