Dhanbad: Movement of an elephant herd in Dhanbad’s Tundi has triggered fear and panic among residents, many of whom are reluctant to enter their fields even during the day. Villagers said they now travel in groups as elephants can appear without warning.The fear intensified after para-teacher Girja Murmu, 52, was trampled to death on Monday. Residents said the incident has disrupted agricultural activities, with many avoiding their fields.Rajiv Ojha, a social worker from Ojhadih-Katania village, said elephants had damaged crops and claimed the herd was larger than the number disclosed by the forest department. “The department is either not revealing the exact number of elephants or does not have proper information,” he said.Mantu Murmu said villagers were worried about the recurring elephant menace. “People are now moving in groups because the herd is roaming in the area. Nobody knows where it may appear next,” he said, alleging that the department’s preventive measures were inadequate.Residents said elephant attacks were a recurring problem in Tundi. During the monsoon, herds move from the forests of Giridih to Tundi and return after the rainy season. Elephants often become aggressive when people try to drive them away or accidentally cross their path.Villagers recalled several earlier deaths, including those of Mohammad Arif, reportedly trampled in Dumma in Nov 2011, and Mangli Devi of Dongapani. They also named Baleshwar Tudu, Badki Devi, Jageshwar Bakshi, Vinod, Chintamani Malhar, Rekha Soren, Buddhu Murmu, Yashoda Devi, Suku Devi and Ganesh Hansda.DFO Vikas Paliwal said the department had taken measures to prevent human-elephant conflict and urged residents to remain alert, avoid approaching or provoking elephants, and report sightings immediately.
