One arrested for ‘provoking’ wild tusker with JCB crane at West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri
The Hindu
Man arrested for provoking wild tusker in North Bengal, sparking human-elephant conflict; highlights ongoing issue of human-elephant conflict in region.
One man has been arrested by the police for allegedly provoking a wild tusker in Malbazar in North Bengal’s Jalpaiguri, after videos surfaced of a conflict between the elephant and locals on Sunday.
According to West Bengal’s Chief Wildlife Warden Debal Ray, the accused was arrested for allegedly provoking and attacking the elephant with a JCB crane.
“The driver has been arrested and the JCB has been seized,” Mr. Ray told The Hindu. He added that the elephant had been released into the wild.
Reportedly, the tusker from the Apalchand forest had ventured into the Damdim area of Malbazar while the JCB machine was engaged in digging the ground. In videos that went viral online, the tusker could be seen being chased by the JCB machine. It charged at it and at a watchtower-like concrete structure, after being aggravated by locals.
The arrest of the JCB driver followed a written complaint by wildlife activists at the Malbazar Police Station under multiple sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, against the alleged harassment of the tusker by the driver of the JCB and the locals who were present at the time.
“The elephant was grievously injured after the provocation and poking. The elephant was calm before the locals, including the JCB driver, started provoking and chasing it. It is a wild animal, so naturally, it charged against the JCB and the concrete structure,” Swarup Mitra, secretary of the Mountain Trekkers Foundation and one of the complainants, said.
He added that one of the people present there had also pulled the elephant’s tail, further agitating it.
Vaccination policies must prioritize saving human lives over individual choice amid rising vaccine skepticism, asserts scientist Dr. Virander Singh Chauhan.
Seven Indian fishermen from Rameswaram arrested by Sri Lankan Navy, sparking protests and calls for government intervention.
Kerala cyber police file a case against X for an AI video allegedly defaming PM Modi and the Election Commission.
iKure and Izawa Co. partner to combat avoidable blindness by integrating innovative eye care technology into rural healthcare networks.
Thousand Lights MLA from the DMK N. Ezhilan, in an interview to The Hindu, observes that any popular personality entering politics will attract the limelight. But only a structured party machinery combined with popularity can ensure success. In this interview, he speaks about his tenure as first-time MLA from Thousand Lights Assembly constituency in Chennai, Vijay’s political entry shaping the 2026 elections, redressal of key grievances and more.
Abhishek Banerjee challenges BJP's Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram, pledging community health initiatives if Trinamool Congress wins.
Rising LPG shortages in Karnataka boost firewood demand, reviving an informal market as households and hotels seek alternatives.
Against the backdrop of intense poll activity, a 400-metre stretch of an arterial road in the outskirts of Chennai (technically in Madurapakkam panchayat under Tambaram assembly constituency) presents a salute to the idea of res publica, which underpins India’s system of governance, where citizens have a say, at least before a government is securely ensconced in the seat of power. A Republic Day initiative shines bright every night
Fadnavis claims zero FIR in Ajit Pawar crash is a defamation attempt by Karnataka against Maharashtra's investigation efforts.
Set to unfold as a one-day pop-up on April 5, the Easter Sadya brings together both vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus, offering a peek into the food traditions of the Syrian Christian (Nasrani) community. While the traditional Sadya is often associated with dishes such as sambar, avial, and rice, this version expands to include community-specific festive dishes.
BJP nominates mother of R.G. Kar victim Abhaya to contest from Panihati in West Bengal Assembly elections.
Veteran Malayalam actor-director E.A. Rajendran passes away at 71, leaving behind a rich legacy in the film industry.
Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat has rolled out digital mode of water bill generation and collection in 23 gram panchayats on a pilot basis for the first time in Karnataka. This is set to be extended to the remaining 200 panchayats shortly, according to the Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Narwade Vinayak Karbhari.