In yet another incident of human-elephant conflict (HEC) in Goalpara district, a woman was killed by a lone jumbo early on Saturday morning.
The victim was identified as Abanti Hajong, 45, of Santipur of West Matia.
‘Abanti usually wakes up early in the morning to let loose her cows in the nearby field. Today, in doing so, she came face-to-face with the wild elephant.” said Amar Hajong, a neighbour.
She happened to be the fifth victim on conflict with wild elephants within this week in the district.
Prior to Abanti’s death, on Monday, one Dipali Banai, and her eight-year-daughter Rubina Dalu had lost her lives at Lalabori. The same night, one Hedwin Sangma had lost his life at Rongjuli. On Sunday night, Chaya Rabha, a woman was killed by jumbos at Borjuli under Krishnai Range forest office.
The local people alleged that the forest officials were not coming to the scene of conflict on time. However, Balen Das, Ranger of Rongjuli and Krishnai told this correspondent that they have insufficient staff and elephant herds are appearing in many places at the same time. Moreover, with the same staff they need to check issues like timber and sand smuggling also.