A single-tusk elephant believed to have separated from its herd has gone on a deadly rampage in India as officials continue searching for the wild animal in hopes of tranquillizing it and returning it to the wild.
Where the Attacks Happened
According to multiple reports, the elephant has terrorized India’s eastern state of Jharkhand. For weeks now, since Jan. 1, the elephant has run amok in forests and villages.
The attacks have been so brazen that officials in the area have warned residents not to leave their homes at night. The elephant has reportedly traveled approximately 18 miles a day as villagers desperately try to stay out of its way.
According to The Guardian, officials have had no luck finding the elephant, which first killed a 35-year-old man on New Year’s Day in the village of Bandijhari. The outlet also reports that at least 21 people have died since the rampage started, which has included trampling people to death or severely injuring others, including a couple and their two young children.
Watch Video of the Attacks
A killer elephant — who is at-large — has left a total of 22 people dead over a 10 day period in India.
Details: https://t.co/Q3njFcHsgJ
🎥: TIM pic.twitter.com/NzXY48gI4d
— TMZ (@TMZ) January 19, 2026
Local officials say the young male somehow separated from its herd and ultimately became “extremely violent.”
“Our team is on high alert, and efforts to tranquillise it will be resumed,” divisional forest officer Aditya Narayan told local media, per The Guardian. “Villagers have been strictly advised not to go into the forests and to remain vigilant.”
The deadly attacks come amid rising deforestation, food and water shortages, and increased development that once served as exclusive corridors for elephants.
