Forest officials in India are searching for a rogue elephant responsible for killing 22 people in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district since early January.

The single-tusked male elephant, believed to have become violent after being separated from its herd, has carried out mostly nighttime attacks in villages, killing entire families and a forest official.

Authorities have placed nearby districts on high alert, warned residents to stay indoors at night, and made multiple unsuccessful attempts to tranquillise the animal.

More than 100 forest personnel and wildlife experts from other states are involved, but the elephant’s rapid movement and erratic behavior have hampered tracking efforts, The Guardian has reported.

The incident highlights the growing human-elephant conflict in India, driven by deforestation, shrinking migration corridors, and increased human encroachment.