‘Killer’ Elephant Dhurbe Returns After 14 Years to Claim More Lives; Grief Grips Chitwan, Nepal

By Alakesh Maity
12/07/2026

Alakesh Maity, July 12, 2026: Chitwan, Nepal, stands as a stark example of just how devastating human-wildlife conflict can be. Even after crossing two rivers to seek safety in a new location, a family could not escape tragedy. The very same wild elephant that had killed a man’s parents fourteen years ago returned to claim the lives of his daughter-in-law and four-year-old grandson.

• The incident occurred in the Jagatpur area of ​​Chitwan. Recently, under the cover of night, a tusker smashed through the wall of a house and entered. It went on a rampage, trampling the daughter-in-law and the four-year-old child to death.
• News of the deaths plunged the area into mourning, as the attacker was none other than ‘Dhurbe’—the notorious elephant from Chitwan National Park.
• According to Forest Department records, Dhurbe is one of Nepal’s most dangerous wild elephants.

– Responsible for at least 25 deaths to date.

– Dhurbe has destroyed over 50 homes.

• Previously, following 16 fatalities, a massive operation involving 96 Nepal Army soldiers and forest personnel was launched. Dhurbe was critically injured during that operation and went missing for a long time; the Forest Department had presumed him dead. However, Dhurbe returned in 2016. He subsequently launched multiple attacks, even targeting two forest guards.
• An elderly member of the devastated family spoke with a voice choked with tears:

“This elephant had killed members of our family before. To escape its attacks, we had crossed two rivers and fled to a different location. We thought we would be safe there, but it was to no avail. Death struck again; this time, it killed my daughter-in-law and grandson. We have nowhere left to flee!”

This incident has once again brought the issue of human-wildlife conflict to the forefront. According to experts, the primary reasons for this are the shrinking of forest cover and the lack of safe corridors for elephant movement.

Locals are now questioning why Dhurbe could not be subdued even after claiming 25 lives, and what measures the administration intends to take.

Chitwan National Park authorities have stated that plans are underway for a fresh operation to capture Dhurbe.

A cruel twist of fate and nature’s retribution have combined to devastate a family twice over. This incident is not merely a report of a death; it signals a time for us to rethink our policies regarding forests and wildlife.