Elephants Take Revenge On New Delhi Village

A herd of elephants has taken revenge against a village in Howrah-New Delhi. One of the herd was killed in a tragic accident last week. The rest of the elephants are now mourning the death, and wrecking havoc on a village.

As reported by India Times, an elephant was killed on the East Central Railway tracks near the Matari station last week. Following the tragedy, fifteen elephants have converged in the area. Wildlife expert D. S. Srivastave explains that elephants often form close bonds with members of their herd:

“Elephants often try to return to the site of such accidents as they believe that their mate has only been injured… when an elephant dies a natural death, their friends cover the body with bushes and small tree branches.”

Elephant mourning rituals are heartbreaking. However, this particular herd of elephants has taken revenge. Some of the elephants have wandered into the village of Ranchi.

Residents report that the elephants have destroyed several homes and damaged a portion of the village school building. Concerned about the aggressive behavior, residents have been guarding the village day and night.

Srivastave expects that the elephants will eventually leave the site. However, he warns that they are likely to return.

Elephants are killed on train tracks in India far too often. In 2010 nearly 50 elephants were killed by trains.

India’s Environment Ministry has taken steps to prevent the tragic accidents. The group has identified corridors regularly traveled by elephant herds.

The Railway and Environment Ministries have worked together to place speed limit and warning signs where elephants are likely to cross. They have also worked to raise awareness with railway employees.

As reported by CNN, a speeding train killed three elephants in May. One of the elephants killed was a baby. A fourth elephant was treated for serious injuries.

In New Delhi, a herd of elephants is taking revenge for another tragic death. Residents of Ranchi are keeping a close eye on their village until the elephants decide to leave the site.

[Image via Flickr]