Hunt for killer elephant Laden in Jharkhand

Tribals in the remote villages of Jharkand have launched a massive hunt in the States dense forest areas to end the mayhem and carnage unleashed by a killer elephant.

Ranchi, Dec 18 : Tribals in the remote villages of Jharkand have launched a massive hunt in the State's dense forest areas to end the mayhem and carnage unleashed by a 'killer' elephant.

The killer elephant has become synonymous to a terrorist and the villagers have named the jumbo as 'Laden,' after the al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden.

During the last few months, the elephant has trampled many people to death and destroyed dozens of houses in the villages lining the forestland. The villagers are afraid of moving around freely.

'Laden' has caused sleepless nights for villagers.

Last week, the elephant killed an old woman and her granddaughter when they were on their way to their home in Jharkhand's Dharampur village.

"It's said that elephants don't attack children. But this elephant doesn't spare even kids. A two-and-a-half-month-old child was killed by this elephant," said Jaipal Singh, a resident and village leader.

Laden has created havoc in several villages in Jharkhand, including Dharampur, Chhota Chhangur, Bara Chhangur and Banta. There has been a curfew like situation in the Silli area bordering West Bengal in Jharkhand's Ranchi District.

"Three to four herds of elephants move around this area. When the villagers are satisfied that the herd has passed, they come out of their houses for work. And then suddenly this 'Laden' appears from somewhere and attacks villagers," Singh said.

Villagers claim that there are at least three herds of elephants in the area adjoining West Bengal's Purulia District. Although, these elephants have been there for a long time, 'Laden' crossed over about two months back.

Other elephants enter the village to eat paddy, but 'Laden' is more interested in breaking into houses and killing people, villagers say.

ANI