Wild tusker to be gunned down in Chhattisgarh

Pathalgaon, Chhattisgarh, Jul 29 (UNI) A wild tusker, which created havoc in Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh and trampled 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 this regard,'' Jashpur Forest Board Officer O P Yadav told UNI today.

The elephant had trampled to death peasant Barsan Ram at Bhabhari village in Jashpur district on Sunday morning, causing panic among the villagers, who were agitated due to spiralling violent incidents involving by tuskers.

The villagers blocked the road and staged demonstration for 20 hours to protest against 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.

He added that the punishment could be ceased if the tusker changed its behaviour.

''In order to rescue people from elephants menace and to find a permanent solution a project at the cost of Rs 3.50 crore has been sent for the Centres approval, the officer said.

UNI XC-KV SKB AS1442