Two women died and a third woman and a man were critically injured as a wild elephant, possibly agitated by loudspeakers at a local event, attacked them on the fringes of Jaldapara National Park in Alipurduar district late on Saturday evening.

The two injured are under treatment at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) and at the Alipurduar district hospital.

Sources said around 8pm, the quartet, along with a seven-year-old boy — the son of one of the women — were on their way from Uttar Chhekamari to Pradhannagar of Madarihat to attend a kirtan (religious musical event).

As they approached Pradhannagar, a wild tusker emerged from Jaldapara and attacked the women.

The animal tossed them with its trunk and trampled on them. By the time the screams of the persons made local residents realise something was wrong, the four were already critically injured.

Bhagabati Sharma, 56, and Puja Chhetri, 28, were rushed to the NBMCH but they died on the way to the hospital. Their companions Pranati Chhetri, 42, and Sukhen Das, 48, were taken to Alipurduar district hospital. From there, Pranati was later shifted to the NBMCH. Puja’s son, however, escaped the attack unhurt.

Foresters said the use of loudspeakers at the kirtan left the animals agitated at Jaldapara National Park. “It is an unusual high-pitched sound for the animals, which we suspect agitated the elephant that came out of the park and spontaneously attacked the women,” said a forest official.

According to him, all the four families would be compensated under norms.

“We have also decided to stop the use of loudspeakers on the fringes of Jaldapara National Park. From today (Sunday), the wildlife squad posted in Madarihat has been engaged to make announcements and inform people that no loudspeakers can be used during any event in the fringe areas,” added the forester.