Three people killed in as many conflicts with elephants in Assam
Three individuals were killed in separate human-elephant conflicts in Assam's Sonitpur and Karbi Anglong districts, adding to the rising toll of such incidents in the region. This brings the total to six deaths in Assam in the past fortnight, highlighting a persistent and deadly issue.
Why it matters
This ongoing conflict underscores critical environmental and social challenges, including habitat loss, human encroachment, and the need for effective wildlife management and community protection strategies. It impacts local livelihoods and conservation efforts.
Three people were killed in separate incidents of conflict with elephants in north-central Assam’s Sonitpur and central Assam’s Karbi Anglong districts on Tuesday (September 22, 2026).
The two incidents in Sonitpur district were reported from the Dhekiajuli area, about 130 km northeast of Guwahati. The Karbi Anglong incident occurred in a village about 230 km east of Guwahati.
The deceased in Sonitpur district were identified as Rahmat Ali of No. 2 Pirakata village and Ganesh Toppo of Ratanjuli village. The Karbi Anglong victim was identified as Ambika Tokbipi, a woman.
The incidents occurred between 4 a.m. and 7.30 a.m.
Locals said Ali was at home, engaged in household work, when a wild elephant emerged from a nearby forest and damaged his house at around 5.30 a.m. Toppo came across the same elephant in a neighbouring village and died trying to shield his two children.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in