A single-tusked elephant has caused widespread terror and claimed the lives of at least 22 people in India's eastern state of Jharkhand since the beginning of January 2026. The devastating rampage has primarily affected villages in the West Singhbhum district, with attacks often occurring at night as the elephant enters human settlements. The first victim was reported on January 1, 2026, in Bandijhari village, and fatalities have since included entire families and a forest department official. Indian forest officials have launched an intense and urgent search operation to track down the rogue elephant, which is believed to be a young male separated from its herd and potentially in 'musth,' a period of heightened aggression due to hormonal changes. Over 100 forest personnel, along with wildlife specialists from neighboring states, have been deployed, using drones and local networks to monitor its movements. However, the elephant's erratic and rapid trajectory, covering up to 30 kilometers daily across dense forests and even slipping across state borders into Odisha, has made capture extremely challenging. Several attempts to tranquilize the animal have been unsuccessful. This tragic incident highlights the severe and escalating human-elephant conflict in India, driven by factors such as deforestation, shrinking elephant corridors, and increasing human encroachment into natural habitats. Residents in affected areas have been placed on high alert and warned to stay indoors at night, as fear grips the region. While compensation is being provided to victims' families, the crisis intensifies scrutiny on Jharkhand's preparedness to manage such recurrent and deadly conflicts.