Daijiworld Media Network - Hazaribag

Hazaribag, Jul 31: A 71-year-old man was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Jharkhand's Hazaribag district on Friday morning after the animal reportedly strayed from its herd, forest officials said.

The incident occurred in Bedamki village under the Barhi forest range. The deceased has been identified as Shankar Pandit, who is survived by his wife, two sons and six daughters.

According to forest beat in-charge Pankaj Kumar, Pandit had gone to a nearby forested area to relieve himself when the elephant attacked him.

"A wild elephant strayed from its herd and killed the man while he was out in the nearby jungle during the early hours," Kumar said.

Officials said the victim's family has been provided an immediate relief of Rs 1 lakh, while the remaining Rs 9 lakh compensation will be released after completion of the required official formalities.

Under the Jharkhand government's compensation policy, families of people killed in wild animal attacks are entitled to Rs 10 lakh as ex gratia assistance.

Forest officials have urged residents in elephant movement-prone areas to remain cautious, especially during the early morning and late evening hours, when wild elephants are most active.