Hojai district is experiencing an acute crisis due to increasing incidents of human–elephant conflict, as evidenced by three fatalities in the early days of the New Year. The latest victim, Prakash Biswas, was trampled to death by a herd of wild elephants in the Radhanagar area on January 4, after the elephants invaded his home, resulting in significant destruction and chaos. The previous incidents included the deaths of Basudev Chouhan on January 1, attacked while grazing his cow, and Anil Kumar Singh on January 2, who was overwhelmed by elephants while returning from a picnic.
The frequent elephant incursions into neighboring human settlements have led to widespread fear and unrest among local residents, many of whom report persistent anxiety and sleeplessness at night. Locals criticize the Forest Department for its inadequate preventive measures regarding the elephants’ migration from forested areas to villages. In light of these tragic events, concerns regarding the efficacy of preparedness, warning systems, and long-term strategies to mitigate the escalating human–elephant conflict have intensified. The local authorities, including the Hojai police, have responded to these incidents, but the recent fatalities underscore the urgent need for more effective intervention strategies to safeguard both human and elephant populations in the region.