A mother and its calf were set on fire (Picture: Biplab Hazra / Sanctuary Wildlife Photography Awards 2017)

The conflict between humans and animals are laid bare in this horrific photo of an angry mob throwing fireballs at a baby elephant and its mother.

It shows the young calf screaming in pain as its hind legs catch fire from the flaming tar balls.

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Its mother is out in front as both animals desperately run away from their human attackers chasing them.

Biplab Hazra’s arresting picture, titled ‘Hell is here’, was taken in West Bengal, India, and won top entry in Sanctuary magazine’s photography competition.


Sanctuary magazine said: ‘In the Bankura district of West Bengal, this sort of humiliation of pachyderms is routine, as it is in the other elephant-range states of Assam, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu and more.’



India is home to 30,000 Asian elephants and boasts over 70% of the global population of the species.

Alongside the image, the photographer’s note explains how the conflict has been compounded as vital elephant habitats and routes continue to be destroyed.

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Mr Hazra said the calf ‘screams in confusion and fear’ as the fireball explodes at her feet.

‘For these smart, gentle, social animals who have roamed the sub-continent for centuries, hell is now and here,’ he said.

It is not known what became of the two elephants in the award-winning picture.

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