Dhruve Elephant Returns To Kill Mother And Son In Chitwan

A wild elephant known as Dhruve attacked a house in Bharatpur Metropolitan City–23 on Saturday night, killing 21-year-old Ashika Bote and her four-year-old son, Bharat Bote, after entering the family's home from the nearby forest. The elephant reportedly appeared without warning, leaving the two victims with no chance to escape. During the incident, Ashika's husband attempted to scare the elephant away by setting a fire, but the flames spread and destroyed the family's house. After the attack, the elephant returned toward the Sukhibhar area inside Chitwan National Park.

The latest attack has revived memories of Dhruve's violent past. Wildlife records and local residents link the elephant to 25 human deaths, making it one of Nepal's most well-known problem elephants. It became infamous more than a decade ago after a series of deadly attacks in and around Madi, creating fear among communities living near the park. Although there were no reported fatalities linked to Dhruve for almost nine years following the death of a Nepal Army officer in 2074 BS, the elephant has now reappeared with another tragic incident.

For years, authorities have tried different methods to control the elephant while avoiding its death. Wildlife teams have tracked its movements using radio collars, modified its tusks, and even attempted behavioural treatment to reduce aggression. An earlier proposal to eliminate the elephant was never fully carried out, allowing Dhruve to remain in the wild. The latest deaths have once again raised difficult questions about how Nepal can better protect people living near forests while also conserving its endangered wildlife. Many local residents are now urging authorities to strengthen monitoring, improve early-warning systems, and take faster action before another tragedy occurs.