Assam: Man killed by wild elephant in Kamrup as deforestation fuels conflict

A 53-year-old man was trampled to death by a wild elephant at Rangamati under Palasbari police station in Kamrup district on Friday.

Ashok Das, from 3 no Medhipara village in Rangamati, was cutting leaves to feed his goats when a herd of elephants attacked him.

The elephants are believed to have come from the nearby Rani Reserve Forest in search of food.

Local residents say the situation is worsened by unchecked deforestation in the reserve forest, forcing elephants into human settlements.

A resident said, "We have filed many complaints, but no serious action has been taken. People are living in fear".

This incident highlights the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region, made worse by deforestation and shrinking forest cover.