Sasaram: Panic spread through villages along the Sone river after a wild elephant killed at least six domestic animals and damaged several huts in the Son Dila area near Kushdihra locality under Nagar panchayat in Rohtas on Wednesday night.The elephant attacked and killed buffaloes and cows, destroyed thatched houses and caused extensive damage to standing wheat and other crops. Several hand pumps, motor pumps and borewell structures were also damaged.Forest department officials said the elephant reached Son Dila about three days ago through the hilly terrain of Nabinagar in Aurangabad district, moving along the Sone river belt between Rohtas and Nauhatta blocks. Since then, residents of riverside villages have been living in fear as the animal has frequently strayed into agricultural fields and residential areas.Villagers reported that a calf belonging to Shivpujan Chaudhary; two buffaloes and a buffalo calf owned by Anil Yadav; one cow belonging to Sunil Chaudhary; and one cow owned by Anil Chaudhary were found dead. Several huts were also damaged.Although villagers, assisted by forest department personnel, attempted to drive the elephant away, it remains in the vicinity. Locals fear that unless it is guided back into the forest soon, it may cause further large-scale destruction.Assistant conservator of forests, Sasaram forest division, and forest range officer Chauhan Shashibhushan Kumar said a forest team rushed to Son Dila upon receiving information and is making efforts to contain the animal. He appealed to villagers to remain alert and avoid approaching the elephant.A trained team from Chenari has already reached the spot, and a specialist elephant-capturing team from Bengal is on its way and is expected to arrive on Friday, officials said.
