A case in Jashpur, Chhattisgarh, has brought the forest department to a standstill. Following the death of a man in an elephant attack, the department faces a challenge: six women are claiming to be the deceased’s wife and are requesting compensation. The department is now in a difficult position, unable to immediately determine who the rightful beneficiary is. Each woman has been asked to present documentation proving their marriage. The incident occurred in Balajhar Chimta Pani village, within the Patthalgaon forest range. The victim, Salik Ram Toppo, was entitled to compensation from the government. But when his alleged six wives, along with their children, arrived at the forest department office, confusion arose. All six women insisted they were the wives of Salik Ram Toppo. The forest department is now attempting to identify the authentic wife and the correct person to receive the compensation. Reports indicate Salik Ram married each of the six women at different points in time, staying with each for about two to three years and fathering children with each. Before the elephant attack, Salik resided in Chimta Pani village with one of his wives and her son, Bhagwat Toppo.
The women are now at the forest department office, demanding compensation. The women have claimed they can promptly provide proof that they were married to Salik Ram Toppo. According to a forest department official, the process to provide compensation to the family of the deceased is in progress. The six wives, along with their children and in-laws, are seeking the compensation amount. The official mentioned that the next steps will be taken based on the village head’s approval and after conducting an investigation. For the time being, the women are trying to provide documentation to support their claims as the deceased’s wife. The compensation will be issued to the woman who provides the appropriate documentation.
