A Call for Justice
In the small town of Jhargram, West Bengal, a tragic incident unfolded on August 15, when a peaceful elephant was brutally attacked by a mob. The mob pierced the innocent animal’s back with a flaming spear, causing immense suffering and ultimately leading to its death. This horrific event has sparked a demand for justice from animal rights organizations across the country.
The Incident Unfolds
The day began like any other in Jhargram, with the usual bustle of life. However, the situation took a dark turn when an elephant, part of a nearby herd, was accused of causing the death of a resident on the town’s outskirts. In response, a “hulla party,” a group designated to chase away elephants, was called in by the forest department. Tragically, the party, which was supposed to use non-violent means, resorted to extreme measures.
The Role of Hulla Parties
Hulla parties, controlled by the state forest departments, are typically tasked with driving elephants away using drums and other non-violent methods. But in this case, the situation escalated beyond control. The crowd, fueled by fear and anger, threw flaming spears at the elephants. One of these spears lodged in the back of an innocent female elephant, causing her unimaginable pain. A video captured the tragic moment, with a child’s voice pleading for the elephant’s release, highlighting the cruelty of the act.
The Demand for Accountability
The Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) has called for an immediate inquiry into the incident. They are urging the West Bengal government to form a committee of experts to investigate the case and suspend all hulla parties until a new, humane protocol is established. FIAPO believes that the conflict between humans and elephants has escalated due to poor policies that ignore the interests of both sides.
Human-Elephant Conflict in Bengal
This tragic event underscores the growing human-elephant conflict in South Bengal. The region’s topography, with its vast paddy fields and other crops, attracts elephants, leading to frequent clashes with local residents. The Supreme Court had previously acknowledged the difficulty in managing these conflicts, directing that vacant positions in the state forest department be filled to ensure better management by trained personnel.
Violating the Supreme Court’s Orders
The use of spikes and spears against elephants was explicitly banned by the Supreme Court in 2018. Yet, this latest incident shows that the orders are being blatantly ignored. FIAPO has emphasized that the failure of the forest department to find humane solutions is resulting in the deaths of both humans and elephants, turning what should be peaceful coexistence into a deadly war.
A History of Violence
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. In April 2023, another video from South Bengal surfaced, showing a hulla party chasing elephants with burning torches, pointed spears, and bursting crackers. The repeated use of such violent methods is deeply concerning, especially when there are humane alternatives available.
The Need for Awareness
FIAPO and other animal rights organizations are pushing for a change. They are calling for a humane approach to managing human-elephant conflicts, one that respects the lives of these majestic creatures while also protecting human communities. The tragic death of this elephant should serve as a wake-up call to authorities and the public alike.
The recent events in Jhargram highlight the urgent need for awareness and education about the importance of animal rights and the ethical treatment of wildlife. It is essential that communities learn to coexist with nature, rather than resorting to violence out of fear or frustration.