Wild tusker to be gunned down

Pathalgaon, Chhattisgarh, July 29 (UNI) A wild tusker, which created havoc in Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh and trumpled to death a farmer, would be gunned down.

''Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) has received a directive at 2300 hours on July 27 in thos regard,'' Jashpur Forest Board Officer O P Yadav told UNI today.

The elephant had trumpled to death peasant Barsan Ram at Bhabhari village in Jashpur district on Sunday morning triggering panic among the villagers, who were agitated due to spiraling violent incidents unleashed by tuskers.

Villagers blocked the road and staged demonstration for 20 hours to protest the animal's havoc.

''Elephant expert Dr Ranjeet Choudhary from West Bengal has been called to gun down the violent tusker. Manora Forest Ranger R K Sisodiya was deployed to spot the animal,'' he said.

Mr Yadav said that the punishment could be ceased if the tusker changed its behaviour.

''In order to rescue people from elephants menace and to find permanent solution a project at the cost of Rs 3.50 crore has been sent to the Centre,'' he added.

UNI XC-KV 1348