A rogue elephant in Jharkhand, India, has left at least 22 people dead since the start of the year, continuing to evade capture.
Screenshot from TMZ (@TMZ) on X
According to Complex, the one-tusked elephant began attacking villages in the Chaibasa district on New Year’s Day, targeting anyone in its path, including an expert called in to help contain it. Some victims were trampled while asleep, underscoring the unpredictability and danger of the situation.
Videos circulating on social media show villagers fleeing in panic as the elephant rampages through homes and fields. Authorities initially tried to drive the animal into neighbouring Odisha, but safety concerns forced them to redirect it back to Chaibasa.
A killer elephant — who is at-large — has left a total of 22 people dead over a 10 day period in India.
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— TMZ (@TMZ) January 19, 2026
Experts say this surge in elephant-on-human attacks is linked to shrinking forest habitats in the Chaibasa and Kolah forest areas. “This is an unprecedented situation. It’s the first time a single male elephant has caused fatalities on this scale in the region,” said divisional forest officer Kuldeep Meena. Officials believe the young male elephant may have strayed from its herd and could be in the mating phase, contributing to its aggressive behaviour.
The victims include 34-year-old Mangal Singh Hembram, who was attacked on his way home from work, 62-year-old Urdub Bahoda, and 42-year-old Vishnu Sundi. On January 5, the elephant killed Kundra Bahoda and two of his children, though his wife and two-year-old daughter survived. Authorities remain on high alert as the elephant continues to roam freely.
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