In a startling turn of events, a group of wild elephants in the Monglajhora Reserve Forest, located within the Bashbari Range under Parbatjhora Forest Division in Assam's Kokrajhar district, wreaked havoc in the region in search of local alcohol.
The elephants, driven by hunger, came out of the lush green forest under the cover of night, targeting suspected illegal settlers which caused extensive damage to paddy fields, potato cultivation, banana gardens, and more.
Forest officials, baffled by the elephants' unusual behavior, revealed that these gentle giants had developed a taste for local alcoholic beverages, specifically "Chulai," which had been stored for fermentation in the Chaporigram area under the Monglajhora Reserve Forest.
Following this discovery, the elephants began their relentless quest for country liquor, turning their visits into terrifying encounters for local residents.
Terrified villagers have attempted to deter the elephants by igniting fires and using torches, as well as wielding long sticks with burning materials at one end. These efforts have occasionally succeeded in driving the elephants away, but the menace persists.
Frustrated and desperate, local residents have accused the forest department of inaction in the face of mounting destruction as the loss of food items in their homes has left many villagers struggling to find sustenance.
According to the Reserve Forest Act, human habitation within reserve forests is strictly prohibited unless expressly permitted by a forest officer during the settlement process.
This disturbing series of incidents has left the affected villagers in a state of fear, helplessness, and uncertainty, as they contend with the unexpected rampage of the alcohol-fueled jumbo visitors.
Authorities are now faced with the challenge of addressing the situation and safeguarding both the wildlife and local communities in the region.
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