In recent days, human-elephant conflicts have been reported repeatedly. On Wednesday afternoon, in the Ranja beat of Pirakata range under Medinipur forest division, the picture of that conflict became stark once again. Throwing stones at elephants, pulling their tails—nothing was spared. And the number of people encouraging those who were doing these things was not insignificant either. As the video went viral on social media, a storm of criticism arose. The forest department is going to take action against the accused in the incident of pulling an elephant's tail.
A situation of panic was created on Wednesday afternoon in the Ranja beat of Pirakata range under Medinipur forest division, centered around the fight between elephants to get a mate. The fierce fight between the two elephants continued for about 2-3 hours. The fight moved from the jungle to the state highway as well.
The forest department struggled to stop the fight. Enthusiastic crowds also gathered. And at that time, some youths provoked the two elephants in various ways. Everything from throwing stones to pulling tails went on. Among them, when a youth from Shalbani pulled the tail of one elephant, the agitated elephant also turned around. Though no major accident occurred, the forest department immediately identified that youth and took action. The accused youth was detained and taken to Pirakata range.
On Thursday afternoon, Pirakata range officer Shuvajit Das said, "Appropriate action has been taken against that youth as per the instructions of higher authorities. Along with that, other youths in the area have also been warned."
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 clearly states that harassing any wild animal in this manner is illegal. The law also provides for strict punishment in such cases. Medinipur forest division ADFO Dipak M said that vigorous campaigns are being conducted by the forest department to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
