After attacking West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia, a raging elephant entered Siliguri in West Bengal this week. It strayed into residential areas and damaged around 100 houses on Sevak Road.

The elephant also went on a rampage in the nearby market, leaving many parked vehicles damaged.

Apparently, it had strayed from its herd in the nearby jungle and lost its way, blundering into the town. It also bore injuries on its trunk and back, possibly suffered even as it knocked down some tin-roof sheds.

Forest officials were called in to subdue the elephant and transport it out of the town. With the help of the fire brigade and the police, the officials managed to tranquillise the elephant.

The incident has highlighted once again the destruction of the ecological balance in the area. While the elephants hardly do this out of choice, since human habitation has been steadily encroaching on their territory, the local economy and daily life has been affected badly.

Residents say the elephants mostly venture out in herds after sunset. They run amok in villages, injuring and even killing people, flattening huts, and compelling villagers to respond with firecrackers and bonfires.

The government has also deployed mobile squads, and claims to be increasing the area under forest cover to prevent the elephants from venturing into villages and towns.

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