Adult Elephant Killed After Being Hit by Train; Another Critically Injured in Dhupguri
An adult elephant was tragically killed and another left critically injured after being struck by a down goods train in the Votopara–Noapara area of Dhupguri Block early Sunday morning. The incident occurred as a herd of elephants was crossing the railway track.
Forest officials and railway authorities rushed to the spot soon after receiving the information. The injured elephant is currently undergoing treatment.
According to Forest Department sources, a group of five elephants from the Birpara–Dalgon Range had entered the Uchalpukuri and Jamaldaha areas of Mekhliganj via Kazipara. Efforts were underway to drive the herd back into the forest when the accident happened. While returning, the elephants unexpectedly entered the railway track, leading to the collision.
Environmental activists and local residents expressed strong dissatisfaction, alleging that train speeds are not adequately controlled in known elephant movement zones.
Efforts are now being made to guide the remaining elephants safely toward the Sonakhali forest.
