VISHVENDU JAIPURIAR
Hazaribag, Nov 21: Angry villagers blocked the busy Hazaribag-Giridih highway (NH-100) this morning near Purnadih chowk in Daru block demanding immediate chasing of a herd of 25 elephants which has unleashed a reign of terror in the area from last few days.
Last night, elephants not only damaged a few houses and standing crops but also killed a cow which triggered anger among the villagers.
According to sources, this herd has caused two dozen house damages so far in several areas, keeping residents awake at night. Despite the forest department providing them with mashals and crackers, the herd’s rampaging spree in the area has not stopped. Four days ago, it damaged the boundary walls of a temple as well as crops on several acres.
Due to this, the villagers came out on road blocking the NH. They said elephants have made their lives miserable as they have suffered losses worth lakhs. “We want this herd to be chased away into the forest and if our demands are not met, we will not end this jam,” the villagers said.
Due to the blockade, vehicular movement came to a standstill with vehicles seen stranded on both sides of the road. Many Kolkata-bound buses also got stuck in this jam. Officials have reached the spot and are trying to convince villagers to lift the jam.
