The escalating human-elephant conflict in Assam claimed another life on Monday morning when Ajoy Bhumij, a 52-year-old resident of Tokowoni village, Doomdooma area of Tinsukia district, was brutally trampled to death by a lone wild elephant. The fatal encounter occurred early in the morning when Bhumij stepped out into his backyard garden. He was suddenly charged by the wild elephant, which had been reportedly grazing nearby. The powerful attack left the unsuspecting man’s body badly mutilated.
Following the immediate reporting of the incident, police recovered Bhumij’s remains and dispatched them to the Doomdooma civil hospital for post-mortem procedures.
The elephant is believed to have separated from a herd originating in the Duarmara reserve forest, a critical part of the Dehing Patkai Elephant Reserve corridor. Animals increasingly stray into villages and farmlands due to shrinking forest cover and scarcity of food in their natural habitats. Locals confirmed that such incursions are alarmingly frequent, creating a constant state of fear.
The immediate reaction from villagers was marked by frustration and anger directed at the Forest Department, with locals alleging a significant delay in the official response.
“We informed the forest officials immediately, but they showed up several hours later. This delay is unacceptable, and it proves that human life is not a priority here. Every week, we see jumbos crossing over, driven by hunger. If the department can’t manage the conflict effectively, more lives will be lost,” local resident Sunita Bhumij said.
Meanwhile, officials confirmed that financial assistance will be provided to the deceased’s family. Bhumij is survived by his wife and three young children.
“The family of Ajoy Bhumij is entitled to an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh as per the State government’s standing compensation policy for fatalities resulting from human-elephant conflict. The due compensation will be processed without delay,” a forest official said.
