Elderly Woman Trampled to Death by Elephant in Jharkhand's Simdega Forest: Compensation Process Underway

The victim's body has been transported to Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination (Representational)

A 78-year-old woman met a tragic end when she was fatally trampled by a solitary tusker in Jharkhand's Simdega district forest area on Thursday evening, according to official reports.

Simdega Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Shashank Shekhar Singh confirmed to PTI that Jamuna Pradhan, a resident of Kodurmunda Bhukhan Toli in the Bolba forest range, was killed by an elephant that had separated from its herd.

"Based on the information we've gathered, Jamuna Pradhan ventured into the remote forest after her midday meal to collect grass for making an evening bonfire to combat the cold weather. During this time, she unfortunately encountered a wild elephant herd. Due to her advanced age, she was unable to escape and was trampled by a tusker that had wandered away from the main group of approximately 20 elephants," explained the DFO.

"We are currently processing the necessary documentation for compensation that applies in elephant attack fatalities. According to government provisions, her family will receive Rs 4 lakh. Our team is actively monitoring the elephants' movements," the DFO further stated.

After receiving notification of the incident, Forest department officials promptly arrived at the location alongside Bolba police station officer-in-charge Devidas Murmu. They accessed the forest area and arranged for the victim's remains to be transported to Sadar Hospital in Simdega for post-mortem examination.

Police authorities have reported that a herd of wild elephants is currently roaming throughout the Bolba forest region, creating significant anxiety and fear among local villagers.