Lone tusker damages houses, consumes Bhogali Bihu delicacies in Kushdhowa village, triggering panic among residents
Even as much of Assam continues to celebrate Bhogali Bihu, fear and uncertainty gripped Kushdhowa village in Dudhnoi area of Goalpara district after a wild elephant went on a destructive rampage late Monday night.
The incident was reported from the Tinkonia and Rongrongpara localities, where a lone tusker strayed into human habitation in search of food, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
According to locals, the elephant broke into several houses, damaging walls and structures, and devoured traditional Bihu delicacies such as chira, pitha and laru that families had prepared for the harvest festival. The animal also raided granaries, destroying and consuming stored paddy and rice meant for the winter months.
The sudden intrusion left villagers terrified, with several families trapped inside their homes as the elephant continued its rampage. Panic-stricken residents raised alarms, prompting neighbours to rush to the spot.
After sustained efforts, villagers managed to chase the elephant back towards the nearby forest. No human casualties were reported, though residents said the escape was a narrow one.
The incident has cast a pall over Magh Bihu celebrations in the Tinkonia–Rongrongpara region, once again highlighting the growing menace of human–elephant conflict. For the affected families, the festival of harvest has turned into a time of loss, with homes damaged and vital food supplies destroyed.
Also read: Bhogali Bihu Turns Tragic in Teok: 2 Youths Killed, 4 Critically Injured as SUV Rams into Crowd
