Gangtok, Feb. 3 -- In a deeply distressing and heart-wrenching incident, a helpless elephant fell victim to human cruelty when a JCB machine struck the gentle giant with its metallic bucket. The heartbreaking event took place on Saturday in Damdim, a locality in the Dooars region of West Bengal. A viral video of the shocking moment surfaced online, sparking outrage among wildlife lovers and concerned citizens alike.

The footage shows the innocent elephant coming face-to-face with the heavy earth-moving machine while onlookers stood by, some capturing the moment on their phones. Instead of being treated with care and respect, the majestic animal was met with a brutal strike on its forehead, leaving it injured and distressed.

Responding s...