The hero, Kamal Bodo, spotted a herd of elephants near the railway tracks and promptly alerted the nearest railway control room.
Just a few days after 8 elephants including 4 calves were killed by a speeding train in Assam, a young man from the state averted another such tragedy from taking place.
So, not all heroes wear capes. Kamal Bodo, a resident of Rangia in Assam, became a hero after he saved a magnificent herd of nine elephants from another horrific train tragedy on Thursday, Dec 25 in Kekohati area of Rangia.
He was alert and prompt enough to avert the tragedy.
Kamal spotted the herd of elephants near the railway tracks and promptly alerted the nearest railway control room. He also took photographs of the herd and shared them with the control room.
Upon receiving the crucial information, railway officials immediately took action and instructed the train on that route to reduce its speed. This quick response was possible thanks to Kamal Bodo’s vigilance. In recognition of his contribution, the Railways awarded him a cash prize along with a certificate of appreciation.
Narrating how he saved the jumbos, Bodo said, “I saw the herd during my routine morning walk. The herd was crossing the railway tracks so I informed the Rangia control room. The control room then immediately instructed the train driver to slow down and let the herd get away from the railway tracks first”.
It was on December 20, that 8 wild Asiatic elephants died after getting hit by speeding Rajdhani Express while crossing the tracks in Hojai at just before dawn.
Such accidents are not a rare sight in Assam, especially between January and April, due to factors like poor visibility and food shortages in nearby forests. During this period, elephants often stray closer to human settlements and railway tracks in search of food, increasing the risk of such tragic incidents. Vigilance and timely action, like that of Kamal Bodo, are therefore crucial to prevent loss of wildlife and human lives.
Also Read : Assam: Woman trampled to death by elephant at Dudhnoi, three killed in past 24 hours
