Tripura, 13 August 2026: Panic gripped residents of Raidas Para under North Ghilatali Panchayat after a wild elephant entered the populated area on Thursday night.
According to the Forest Department, the elephant is a male elephant locally known as a “Makna.” The animal crossed Bagber Road and Nakshar Road before making its way through paddy fields towards Raidas Para.
As news of the elephant’s presence spread, forest officials, local volunteers and villagers quickly mobilised to drive the animal away from the residential area. Their joint efforts helped safely move the elephant away from the village.
A Beat Officer of the Kalyanpur Range said that forest personnel and local volunteers are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance in the area. Police personnel from Kalyanpur Police Station are also keeping watch to prevent any untoward incident.
“Since this is a wild animal, we are keeping it under surveillance throughout the night. If any difficult situation arises, our teams will immediately reach the spot and take necessary steps to control the situation,” the officer said.
The officer further stated that no reports of damage to houses or crops had been received so far. As it was nighttime, the exact extent of any possible crop damage could not be immediately assessed.
A detailed inspection will be carried out in the morning. If damage to paddy fields or kakrol (pointed gourd) fields is found, affected farmers will be provided compensation as per government rules.
The Forest Department continues to maintain strict vigilance in the area amid concerns that the elephant could return.
