Bokaro: Elephant herds have returned to Gomia block, sparking fresh fear among residents of the Mahuatand forest belt after a 45-year-old motorcyclist was seriously injured in an attack late Sunday night. The elephants’ movement has put local families and authorities on alert.Raju Sahu, a resident of Badgaon, was travelling from Jageshwar to Badgaon along a forest road when a herd of elephants surrounded him near Jageshwar. Although Sahu tried to escape, the elephants flung him into a nearby field.“He sustained serious injuries and was taken to Ramgarh for treatment with the help of local villagers,” said Prakash Yadav, officer-in charge of Jageshwar police station.Forest officer Sundeep Shinde said 37 elephants are currently moving in separate herds across the Gomia area, keeping villages near the forest on alert .“The danger has not passed. People should not become complacent just because an area appears quiet. Herds can change direction at any time,” Shinde said.He urged residents to avoid going out after dusk, especially toward forests, fields and deserted roads. He also warned them not to approach elephants, take selfies with them or throw stones at them.“Villagers should stay indoors at night and avoid storing mahua or liquor at home, as the smell can attract elephants. Any elephant movement should immediately be reported to the forest department,” Shinde said.
