A wild elephant from Bardiya National Park has wreaked havoc in ward 1 of Madhuwan Municipality, demolishing eight homes over the past four days.

The elephant, active mainly between 1am and 3am, has instilled fear among locals, forcing them to stay awake through the night to protect themselves.

Ward Chair Min Thapa said the elephant has destroyed mud houses belonging to residents, including Yagya Raj Shahi, Chandra Bahadur Khadka, Prem Kala Sunar, Yubaraj Gorakh Dhami, and Khamba Shahi.

“People are terrified. Many leave their homes and seek shelter in safer areas as soon as it gets dark,” said Thapa. Despite regular patrols by the Nepal Army, Bardiya National Park officials, and local volunteers, the elephant is yet to be captured.

Chief Conservation Officer Ashok Ram of Bardiya National Park said all available resources have been mobilised to capture the tusker. The park is estimated to host around 120 elephants.