News at a Glance

Bike Rider Injured in Leopard Attack on National Highway

Alipurduar: Sajal Barman was riding his bike back home with his nephew, Tapas Barman when suddenly, a leopard leaped out and attacked them near the Meera Brick Factory in Birpara, Alipurduar. Tapas Barman sustained injuries in the incident and was admitted to Birpara State General Hospital.

Two persons killed by elephants

Jalpaiguri/ Siliguri: On Sunday, Mongra Oraon (63 years) lost his life in an elephant attack while answering nature’s call in the Lalting Para Line of the Mogulkata tea garden, in Jalpaiguri. His daughter, Basanti Oraon, tried to rescue him but was gravely injured as the elephant chased her. The Binnaguri Wildlife Squad said that compensation would be in accordance with government regulations. In another incident, a woman died in an elephant attack in Tukuriyajhar forest of Darjeeling district. The woman has been identified as Lok Maya Basnet (64). As per locals, on Sunday she was cutting grass when the elephant attacked her. She was referred to North Bengal Medical Hospital where she was declared dead.

Mortar shell discovered

Cooch Behar: A mortar shell was discovered hidden beneath the stockpiled boulders in Changrabandha of Mekhliganj block on Sunday. The incident came to light when workers were loading boulders from the riverbed onto a truck. The local police were informed who cordoned off the area. It is believed that this mortar shell may have been carried by the Teesta River during recent flash floods in Sikkim.

Turtle dies in road accident

Cooch Behar: A turtle was run over by a speeding vehicle on the road near the lake in Baneswar, Cooch Behar on Sunday. The incident sparked anger among the locals and various other volunteer organisations, including the ‘Baneshwar Mohan Raksha’ Committee. Turtles are called “Mohan” in Cooch Behar. Ranjan Shil, general secretary of Baneshwar Mohan Raksha’ Committee, said: “Turtles are losing their lives due to administrative indifference. The situation has become worse with six Mohans falling victim to road accidents this month in Baneshwar alone. The total for this year is approximately 30. Unless the administration acts promptly, we anticipate a larger movement after the Puja.” Ardhenddu Banik, a member of the volunteer organisation, recounted: “Upon hearing the news of Mohan’s demise in a road accident, we rushed to the scene, recovered the carcass, and promptly notified the Forest department.”