Efforts to save a captive elephant that was critically injured after being struck by a train in Sylhet have ended in heartbreak. The elephant, which fell into a roadside ditch following the collision, died on Monday afternoon while undergoing treatment, despite concerted rescue and medical efforts by multiple agencies.
The incident occurred in the Shibbari area of South Surma, Sylhet. Representatives of the elephant’s owner and officials from an animal welfare organisation confirmed the death at the scene.
The elephant, named Sundarmala, was approximately 42 years old. She was owned by Kamrul Islam, a resident of Kormodha village in Kulaura upazila, Moulvibazar. Rakibul Haque, founder and chairman of the Dhaka-based animal welfare organisation People for Animal Welfare Foundation, said Sundarmala had remained largely motionless since early morning. She was pronounced dead at 12:40 pm, with the owner’s representative, Abdus Sabur, present at the site.
According to Rakibul Haque, the elephant was unable to stand after being rescued from the ditch. Her abdomen was severely swollen, she could not move her rear right leg, and visible injuries were found along the centre of her spine. Veterinary professionals involved in the treatment believe the combination of traumatic injuries, prolonged physical stress, and elevated blood pressure may have led to a fatal cardiac arrest.
How the Accident Happened
Multiple sources revealed that Sundarmala had been hired for a Rath Yatra and fair organised on the occasion of Poush Sankranti in Kaliganj, Zakiganj upazila. Two mahouts, identified as Imon and Rakib, accompanied the elephant. While returning from the event late Saturday night, a train struck Sundarmala near the Shibbari railway line, causing her to fall into a nearby ditch.
On Sunday afternoon, a joint rescue operation was launched involving the local administration, Forest Department, police, Fire Service, district livestock officials, and a veterinary team from an agricultural university. Using ropes attached to a payloading machine, rescuers managed to pull the elephant out of the ditch. However, having remained submerged and injured for several hours, Sundarmala was severely weakened. She was administered saline fluids, along with steroid and antihistamine injections, but her condition continued to deteriorate.
Attempts to contact the owner, Kamrul Islam, for comment were unsuccessful, as his mobile phone remained switched off.
A Lone Calf Left Behind
Rakibul Haque also highlighted a distressing background to the tragedy. Earlier this year, preparations had been made to train Sundarmala’s only calf, a seven-year-old elephant named Bir Bahadur, using the traditional Hadani method. Five mahouts had been appointed, and the calf was temporarily separated from its mother and restrained with ropes as part of the process. Following objections from the Forest Department, the calf was released the next day and reunited with its mother in the Kalapahar forest.
Now, with Sundarmala’s death, Bir Bahadur has been left alone once again, prompting renewed concern among animal welfare advocates about the treatment, safety, and future of captive elephants in Bangladesh.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Elephant’s Name | Sundarmala |
| Age | 42 years |
| Owner | Kamrul Islam |
| Location of Accident | Shibbari, South Surma, Sylhet |
| Date of Death | Monday, at 12:40 pm |
| Suspected Cause of Death | Trauma-related complications, cardiac arrest |
| Calf | Bir Bahadur (7 years old) |