A wild elephant in Baikunthapur forest strayed near New Jalpaiguri station on the southern outskirts of Siliguri on Saturday morning, prompting foresters and police to make elaborate arrangements for over 12 hours to send it back to the jungle.
The administration clamped prohibitory orders in certain areas to prevent crowding.
Around 6am, the elephant came out of Baikunthapur forest and walked on Canal Road near Fulbari.
“The elephant moved into Sipahipara, Bhalobasa More and reached Bhola More around 6.30am. Crowds swelled for its glimpse. The elephant then entered the vacant premises of the Railway Protection Force camp near NJP station around 7am and stayed put,” said a resident.
Forest staff and officers from various forest divisions, cordoned off the area. By afternoon, Jalpaiguri district administration clamped prohibitory orders to restrain crowds and help foresters do their job in peace.
Around 7.15pm, the animal finally emerged. Foresters guided it through roads and a railway crossing towards Baikunthapur forest. Around 8.15pm, it entered Baikunthapur, a senior forester said.
