Samaguri: Fear has gripped residents of Singia Kumar Gaon after a herd of wild elephants entered the locality and damaged residential houses and paddy storage sheds, leaving villagers worried about their safety during the night.
The elephants reportedly moved into the inhabited area after dark, when many residents were indoors. Among the properties affected was the house of Rupak Saikia, while several other families also reported damage. Walls were reportedly broken, paddy storage structures were destroyed and household belongings were damaged during the raid.
Residents said one family narrowly escaped after the elephants entered the residential area while people were asleep. The incident has added to concerns over the recurring movement of wild elephants through villages in and around greater Samaguri.
With the herd continuing to move close to human settlements, locals said many families have been spending nights in fear and remaining alert to avoid further encounters.
Residents have urged the Forest Department to take immediate steps to move the elephants away from populated areas and prevent additional damage. They have also called for more effective monitoring of the herd, including the use of modern technology to track elephant movements and help guide them towards suitable forest and hilly habitats.
The villagers are seeking a long-term strategy to address the recurring human-elephant conflict in the area, rather than temporary measures following each incident.
