Young man killed in wild elephant attack in Chakaria
Cox’s Bazar Correspondent
A young man has died following an attack by a stray wild elephant in a residential area of Chakaria in Cox’s Bazar.
Md. Meheraj Uddin, Range Officer of the Fasiakhali Range under the Cox’s Bazar North Forest Division, confirmed the incident occurred around 12:30 AM on Sunday night in the South Surajpur area of Surajpur-Manikpur Union in Chakaria Upazila.
The deceased, Abdul Karim (38), was the son of Mohammad Ali, a resident of the same area.
Quoting local residents, Range Officer Meheraj Uddin said that a herd of wild elephants entered the residential area of South Surajpur late Sunday night. As the elephants entered the locality, several residents gathered with sticks to drive them away. Some even threw stones at the elephants. During the commotion, one elephant became separated from the herd and charged toward the crowd.
“While fleeing the scene, Abdul Karim came face to face with the charging elephant. The elephant wrapped him with its trunk, slammed him to the ground, and trampled him,” said Meheraj Uddin.
Locals rescued the severely injured Karim and took him to the Chakaria Upazila Health Complex. As his condition was critical, the attending doctor referred him to Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH). Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries on the way to CMCH.
The forest official added that the victim’s family will be compensated as per government regulations.
Chakaria Police Station OC Md. Shafiqul Islam confirmed the incident and stated that legal steps have been taken regarding the matter.
