Local authorities and the forest department have been informed of the tragedy to initiate the necessary legal formalities and to discuss compensation for the bereaved family.

The incident comes close on the heels of another tragedy in Ramgarh district, where five people were killed within hours by a herd of elephants.

A herd of 42 elephants, divided into six to seven separate groups, was active in the area and went on a rampage, causing loss of life and property.

Meanwhile, intensified movement of wild elephants along forest fringed railway sections under the Chakradharpur Railway Division has once again disrupted train operations. In view of frequent elephant movement, 18 local trains were cancelled by the Chakradharpur Railway Division between December 25 and 28.

This is the third time in the past 15 days that the Chakradharpur Railway Division has had to cancel trains due to elephant movement.

Notably, according to official data, more than 1,270 people have been killed in the past 18 years due to elephant attacks across Jharkhand.

Apart from human casualties, more than 150 elephants have also died during this period due to electrocution, train accidents or IED blasts.