Wild Elephant Attack in Kamrup District Raises Alarm Among Residents

A recent wild elephant attack in Kamrup district has left a 62-year-old woman injured, reigniting fears among local residents. The incident highlights the ongoing human-elephant conflict in the area, with villagers expressing frustration over the government's failure to address the issue. As wild elephants continue to threaten lives and livelihoods, the community is calling for effective, long-term solutions to mitigate these conflicts and protect their agricultural resources. The situation remains dire, with locals living in constant fear of further attacks.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 10, 2026, 10:25 IST

Incident Overview

A file image of an elephant herd in a village

Palasbari, Nov 10: A 62-year-old woman was severely injured following an encounter with a wild elephant in Udaypur village, located within the Rani forest range of Kamrup district, near Guwahati, early Sunday morning. This incident has reignited fears among locals who have been living under the persistent threat of elephant attacks.

Details of the Attack

The victim, Ratna Kakati, was out for her morning walk when the attack occurred. She suffered injuries to both arms and narrowly avoided a fatal outcome.

Reports indicate that a herd of elephants was returning to the reserve forest after raiding local paddy fields. During this time, one elephant, lagging behind the group, charged at Kakati as she walked along the road.

A young man named Srikanta Boro, who was with her, managed to escape by taking cover under a roadside culvert from the aggressive elephant.

Community Concerns

This incident has highlighted the ongoing human-elephant conflict in Rani, with residents voicing their frustration over the perceived inaction of the government and the Forest Department. They feel that both past and current elected officials have failed to provide a sustainable solution to this escalating issue.

For years, wild elephants have caused significant destruction in the area, leading to loss of life, property damage, and harm to agricultural fields, which are vital for the villagers' livelihoods. Locals report that the situation is worsening, with no effective measures implemented to tackle the crisis.

Current Situation

Local residents estimate that around 40 wild elephants are currently present in the Rani area, posing a continuous threat to those living near forested regions. The frequent incursions of elephant herds into human settlements, especially during the paddy harvesting season, have made life increasingly precarious for the villagers.

One resident expressed their despair, stating, “How can we live like this? The elephants are destroying our lives, properties, and crops, which are our only means of survival. We rely on farming, but these repeated raids are devastating our harvests and leaving us in a state of fear.”

Call for Action

Residents have voiced their dissatisfaction with the Forest Department's response to these recurring incidents, claiming that their actions have been insufficient. They noted that the Nalapara Forest Beat Office is located nearby, yet no personnel arrived to evaluate the situation after the attack.

The community is urging the government and the Forest Department to move beyond temporary fixes and develop comprehensive, long-term strategies to reduce human-elephant conflict, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure the safety and livelihoods of the local population.