Siliguri, 05th July: A tragic incident occurred in the Baikunthapur Rajfapri area near Salugara, where a 35-year-old woman lost her life after being attacked by a wild elephant on Saturday morning. The deceased has been identified as Sunita Thapa Chhetri.
Local sources said Sunita had set out early on her scooter to reach her shop when she suddenly came face-to-face with a wild elephant on the road. Despite her efforts to escape, the elephant attacked her and smashed the scooter. Sunita died on the spot.
It was later learned that her husband is a soldier currently posted in another state. The couple also has a young daughter. Upon hearing the news, her husband began his return home immediately.
Forest officials from the Sarugara Range and police from Bhakti Nagar Police Station reached the scene soon after the incident was reported. The police recovered the body and sent it for post-mortem examination.
Locals have expressed concern over the lack of forest department surveillance in the area, claiming that elephants frequently stray out of the nearby jungle.
Attempts to contact the Sarugara Range officer for comments were unsuccessful.