Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh – In a series of devastating events, three grieving elephants from a herd linked to recent mysterious deaths in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) attacked villagers, leaving two people dead and one injured. This tragic incident underscores the ongoing turmoil within the affected herd, as reports confirm ten elephants from this group have died recently under suspicious circumstances.

The Elephant Attacks: What Happened?

The attacks occurred in separate villages surrounding Bandhavgarh, marking a dramatic response from elephants believed to be mourning the loss of their herd members. The elephants first attacked Ramratan Yadav in Devra village, killing him, before traveling over 10 kilometers to Brahe village, where they claimed the life of Bhairav Kol (35) and injured Malu Sahu (32) in nearby Banka village. All three attacks happened close to the buffer zone of BTR, where elephants often roam near human settlements.

Link to the Mysterious Elephant Deaths in Bandhavgarh

Officials believe that these elephants are part of a larger group of thirteen, of which ten have tragically perished in the past week. Authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause of the fatalities, though early reports suggest potential poisoning or disease. Initial investigations began after four elephants were found dead in the Salkhania beats of Pataur and Khiatuli ranges on October 29, followed by six more succumbing shortly afterward. Despite rapid intervention and medical care by forest personnel and veterinarians, four of the sick elephants died on October 30, with two additional deaths reported on October 31, bringing the toll to ten.

Out of the ten deceased elephants, one was male, nine were female, with a mix of juveniles and adults. The herd reportedly ventured into nearby farmlands to feed on Kodo millet, raising suspicions about possible human-elephant conflict over crop damage.

Emotional Mourning Observed Among Surviving Elephants

In a rare display of mourning, a lone tusker reportedly returned to the burial site of its herd members, performing what appeared to be a grieving ritual. Eyewitnesses recounted the elephant’s emotional response, noting its distressed trumpeting, vigorous ear-flapping, and stomping around the burial area, a scene that left forest personnel and villagers deeply moved. This display underscores the intense emotional bonds within elephant herds, where members often exhibit signs of distress or mourning when faced with the death of their companions.

Safety Measures and Community Support

Following the recent fatalities, officials have heightened monitoring efforts, while local authorities advise residents in affected areas to exercise caution and report sightings of the grieving elephants. Forest rangers are patrolling the region to ensure human and elephant safety, though the emotional and environmental impacts of this event are expected to linger.