The forest department in Jashpur, Chhattisgarh, is currently dealing with a peculiar situation. Following the death of a man caused by an elephant attack, the department is facing a dilemma regarding compensation. Six women have come forward, each asserting she is the wife of the deceased and seeking compensation. The forest department is now struggling to determine who is the rightful claimant. Consequently, each woman has been asked to present marriage-related documentation. The incident took place in Balajhar Chimta Pani village, within the Patthalgaon forest range. The deceased, identified as Salik Ram Toppo, was eligible for government compensation. However, when his alleged six wives, accompanied by their children, came to the forest department office to claim the compensation, the situation became complex. All six women declared they were the wives of Salik Ram Toppo. The forest department is now trying to determine the genuine wife and to whom the compensation should be provided. It is reported that Salik Ram married each of the six women at different times and lived with each for approximately two to three years, resulting in children. Before the elephant attack, Salik resided in Chimta Pani village with one of his wives and her son, Bhagwat Toppo.
All the wives are at the forest department office, requesting compensation from the government. They have stated that they are ready to prove their marriage to the deceased, Salik Ram Toppo, quickly. A forest department official confirmed that the compensation process is in progress. The six wives, accompanied by their children and in-laws, are seeking the compensation funds. The official added that further decisions will be based on the consent of the village head and an investigation. Currently, all the women are working to submit necessary documents to prove their claim as the wife of the deceased. The compensation will be awarded to the woman who can provide the required documentation.