Man killed in an elephant attack in Kharibari, family protests urging financial compensation

S
stenews
Tue, Nov 21, 2023 4:35 AM

Man killed in an elephant attack in Kharibari, family protests urging
financial compensation
Siliguri Times
November 20, 2023

See link
https://siliguritimes.com/man-killed-in-an-elephant-attack-in-kharibari-family-protests-urging-financial-compensation/
for photo.

On Monday, the All India Kisan Sabha, staged “gherao” over the Tukriajhar
Forest Department Office in Naxalbari and submitted a memorandum seeking
adequate financial compensation from forest department in connection with
the death of an individual identified as Swapan Mahali in a wild elephant
attack in Manjay Jote of Kharibari.

According to reports, on October 27, the victim was severely injured in the
elephant attack and subsequently lost his life in the North Bengal Medical
College and Hospital (NBMCH).

In addition, it was alleged that the forest personnel did not consider the
issue important. As a result, the family members of the deceased demanded
compensation in regard to the tragedy. In alignment to the demand, a
demonstration was held where the members of the All India Kisan Sabha
joined in support of the family members and encircled the forest department
office.

Speaking in this regard, All India Kisan Sabha District Secretary Jharen
Roy stated that the decision was made without conducting a thorough
investigation into the death. Apart from the financial recompense, a demand
has been made for the construction of an elephant control watch tower and
searchlights in the vicinity.

Meanwhile, ADFO of Kurseong Forest Department, Bhupen Vishwakarma, stated
that the authorities were informed about the death later.

When the Ranger and Beat Officers arrived at the spot to investigate, the
reason of death was not highlighted. However, he gave assurance to come to
a decision after reassessing the location and reviewing the autopsy
findings. Simultaneously, he termed the allegations against the ranger as
baseless.

In the meantime, the Naxalbari police promptly arrived at the spot and
brought the situation under control.

https://siliguritimes.com/man-killed-in-an-elephant-attack-in-kharibari-family-protests-urging-financial-compensation/

Man killed in an elephant attack in Kharibari, family protests urging financial compensation Siliguri Times November 20, 2023 See link <https://siliguritimes.com/man-killed-in-an-elephant-attack-in-kharibari-family-protests-urging-financial-compensation/> for photo. On Monday, the All India Kisan Sabha, staged “gherao” over the Tukriajhar Forest Department Office in Naxalbari and submitted a memorandum seeking adequate financial compensation from forest department in connection with the death of an individual identified as Swapan Mahali in a wild elephant attack in Manjay Jote of Kharibari. According to reports, on October 27, the victim was severely injured in the elephant attack and subsequently lost his life in the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH). In addition, it was alleged that the forest personnel did not consider the issue important. As a result, the family members of the deceased demanded compensation in regard to the tragedy. In alignment to the demand, a demonstration was held where the members of the All India Kisan Sabha joined in support of the family members and encircled the forest department office. Speaking in this regard, All India Kisan Sabha District Secretary Jharen Roy stated that the decision was made without conducting a thorough investigation into the death. Apart from the financial recompense, a demand has been made for the construction of an elephant control watch tower and searchlights in the vicinity. Meanwhile, ADFO of Kurseong Forest Department, Bhupen Vishwakarma, stated that the authorities were informed about the death later. When the Ranger and Beat Officers arrived at the spot to investigate, the reason of death was not highlighted. However, he gave assurance to come to a decision after reassessing the location and reviewing the autopsy findings. Simultaneously, he termed the allegations against the ranger as baseless. In the meantime, the Naxalbari police promptly arrived at the spot and brought the situation under control. https://siliguritimes.com/man-killed-in-an-elephant-attack-in-kharibari-family-protests-urging-financial-compensation/