According to sources, a herd of 72 elephants has entered Bankura from Dalma forest. While 50 elephants are roaming in the Barjora jungle, another 22 entered Beliatore and injured the villagers.

Early this morning, several elephants entered the Chakurdanaga village under the Barjora police station area and created panic among the villagers.

Forest officials said the herd was no longer migratory but had set up base in the forests of Sonamukhi in Bankura and Midnapore.

“They stray out of the forests at night in search of paddy. With the onset of the harvesting season, the elephants are now entering human habitats. After eating the paddy, they go back to the forests,” said Barjola Range Officer J L Patnaik.

Locals complain that elephant attacks are a regular feature now.