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The gentle giant, said to have emerged from the Apalchand Forest in search of food, was reportedly harassed and chased by locals.
The incident occurred in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
In a shocking incident that unfolded in West Bengal, a wild elephant, allegedly provoked by locals, attacked an excavator. The gentle giant said to have emerged from the Apalchand Forest in search of food, was reportedly harassed and chased by locals. In response, the agitated elephant charged at bystanders and then targeted the construction equipment, including a JCB machine and a nearby watchtower. The incident, which occurred in the Damdim area of West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri on February 1, has been captured on camera and widely circulated online.
The viral video shows the gentle giant ramming the JCB machine while the driver attempts to frighten it with the excavator’s bucket. Meanwhile, the onlookers present there can be seen rushing dangerously close to the animal and chasing it as it tries to flee, further escalating the situation.
Local media reports stated that the elephant sustained injuries to its forehead and trunk, while no human casualties were reported. Following the incident, one man was arrested by the police for allegedly provoking the wild tusker and the JCB machine was confiscated, reported the Hindu.
Since being shared, the video has garnered the attention of several social media users. In no time, the incident has sparked widespread outrage on the internet, with a majority of users demanding accountability and awareness about coexisting with wildlife. Till now, the video has been viewed by more than 2 lakh people.
Reacting to the viral video, one user wrote, “How much cruelty the elephant is facing. I am surprised how the human minds are treating this animal. Forest officials should step in, otherwise, in a few years these animals would be seen in books only.”
“Humans are terrible people,” read a comment.
Raged by the act, an individual said, “Arrest all these people.”
Another wrote, “Anyone who knows elephants would tell you that elephants do not just react with anger unless they were excessively pushed to that point.”
“Man, this pisses me off,” exclaimed a user.
An account remarked, “Evil, uneducated people. This should be illegal!!!”
“Later they will post videos of “evil elephant attacks nice man.” And play innocent,” posted a user.
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Delhi, India, India