A wild elephant attack in Durgapur upazila of Netrokona district has resulted in the death of a 21-year-old farmer, identified as Pranto Rangsa. The incident occurred at around 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday night in the Bhabanipur border area.
The deceased, Pranto Rangsa, was the son of Nipson Norek of the local village. According to information provided by residents and police sources, a herd of wild elephants descended from the hills along the India–Bangladesh border on Wednesday afternoon. The animals entered paddy fields, causing damage to ripened rice crops. In response, members of local ethnic minority communities attempted to drive the elephants back, after which approximately 15 to 20 elephants moved up onto nearby hills and remained there.
Later in the evening, the elephants again came down into the crop fields. To prevent further damage, Pranto Rangsa and other local farmers took turns guarding the fields using torches and burning sticks. The elephants eventually retreated. However, around 1:00 a.m., while Pranto and several other farmers were returning home, the herd reportedly chased them.
During this incident, one elephant seized Pranto Rangsa with its trunk, threw him forcefully to the ground, and trampled him. He died at the scene.
Local authorities and law enforcement confirmed the sequence of events. The police station in Durgapur stated that officers were dispatched to the location following the incident and necessary procedures were initiated regarding the recovery and release of the body to the family upon request.
An Upazila executive officer, currently serving as the assistant commissioner (land) in charge of Durgapur, confirmed that the administration would provide financial assistance to the bereaved family to support funeral arrangements.
Incident Summary
| Time/Period | Event |
|---|---|
| Wednesday afternoon | Wild elephants descended from border hills into paddy fields |
| Following afternoon | Locals attempted to drive elephants away; herd moved to nearby hills |
| Evening | Elephants returned to crop fields; farmers used torches and fire sticks for protection |
| Around 1:00 a.m. | Farmers, including Pranto Rangsa, were attacked while returning home |
| Same time | Pranto was attacked, thrown, and trampled; death occurred on the spot |
Previous Incidents in the Region
Authorities have also reported repeated human–elephant conflict in the region. Over the past three and a half years, at least three people have been killed and at least thirteen others injured in elephant-related incidents across Kolmakanda and Durgapur upazilas.
| Category | Number of Cases (Last 3.5 Years) |
|---|---|
| Deaths | 3 |
| Injuries | At least 13 |
The area is known for periodic movement of wild elephants from bordering forest and hilly regions, which occasionally leads to crop damage and human–wildlife encounters, particularly during agricultural harvesting seasons.