Injured Elephant Dies After Train Collision in Sylhet

A tragic end befell a captive elephant in Sylhet after it was struck by a train and fell into a roadside ditch in the Shibbari area of South Surma. Despite sustained rescue and medical efforts, the injured animal could not be saved and died on Monday afternoon. The death was confirmed by representatives of the elephant’s owner as well as officials from an animal welfare organisation who were present at the scene.

The elephant, named Sundarmala, was approximately 42 years old. She was owned by Kamrul Islam, a resident of the Kormodha area in Kulaura upazila of Moulvibazar district. Rakibul Haque, founder and chairman of the Dhaka-based People for Animal Welfare Foundation, told reporters over the phone that the elephant had remained largely unresponsive since morning. She was pronounced dead at 12:40 pm. At the time of death, Abdus Sabur, a representative of the owner, was also present.

According to Rakibul Haque, although Sundarmala was rescued from the ditch, her condition never stabilised. She was unable to stand, her abdomen was visibly swollen, and she could not move her right hind leg. A deep injury was observed along the middle of her spine. Veterinary experts involved in the treatment believe that the severe trauma, combined with prolonged physical stress, may have caused dangerously high blood pressure, ultimately leading to a fatal heart attack.

Multiple sources revealed that the elephant had been hired for a Rath Yatra procession and fair organised on the occasion of Poush Sankranti in Kaliganj, under Zakiganj upazila of Sylhet. Two mahouts, named Iman and Rakib, were accompanying her. While returning from the event late Saturday night, the elephant was hit by a train near the Shibbari area and fell into a ditch adjacent to the railway track.

On Sunday afternoon, a coordinated rescue operation was launched involving the local administration, Forest Department, police, Fire Service, district livestock officials, and a team of veterinarians from an agricultural university. Using a payloading machine and heavy ropes, the rescuers managed to pull the elephant out of the ditch. However, having remained trapped for an extended period, Sundarmala was extremely weak. She was administered saline fluids, and earlier had been treated with steroids and antihistamines, but her injuries proved too severe.

Repeated attempts to contact the owner, Kamrul Islam, for comment were unsuccessful as his mobile phone remained switched off.

Rakibul Haque also highlighted a poignant background detail. On 1 January this year, preparations had been underway to train Sundarmala’s only calf, Bir Bahadur, aged seven, using the traditional Hadani method. Five mahouts were hired, and as part of the process, the calf was separated from its mother and restrained with ropes. Following objections from the Forest Department, the calf was released the next day and reunited with its mother in the nearby Kalapahar forest. With Sundarmala’s death, Bir Bahadur has now been left alone, raising fresh concerns about his future welfare.

Key Facts at a Glance

The incident has reignited debate over the use, transport, and safety of captive elephants at public events, and underscores the urgent need for stricter safeguards to prevent such tragedies in the future.