Kathmandu, February 6
A wild elephant named Makuna, frequently seen around Sauraha in Chitwan, has died after being shot by security personnel from Chitwan National Park.
According to the park authorities, Makuna was shot while efforts were being made to drive it away after it entered human settlements and caused panic among locals.
The elephant had been entering the Sauraha area since mid-September, causing fear among residents, the park stated in a press release. Authorities had attempted various measures to prevent damage to life and property.
On Wednesday, during a routine sweep patrol, security personnel unexpectedly encountered Makuna in the Lamital area of the Kumroj Community Forest. The elephant allegedly attempted to attack a domesticated elephant (Chure Gaj), leaving the security team with no option but to act in self-defense, as per Section 21 of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973.
Initially, two warning shots were fired into the air to scare off the elephant. However, as Makuna did not retreat and attempted to attack, Ranger Shyam Tamang, who was riding the smaller elephant Khagendra Prasad, fell off, making the situation more dangerous. The team then fired three more rounds, forcing the elephant to move away briefly. When Makuna attempted another charge, a final shot was fired, after which it fled.
Later, during a search operation, the elephant was found collapsed about one kilometer away at around 1:30 pm. A post-mortem examination confirmed that a gunshot wound to the right side of its neck was the cause of death.
