30 May 2007: Stand and Deliver

An elephant in eastern India has turned highway robber.

Local police have received complaints from motorists who say the elephant stands in the road and forces the approaching vehicle to stop. It then inserts its trunk inside the vehicle, gulps down any vegetables or bananas it can find, and allows the car to proceed. If a driver does not wind down the window or open the vehicle door, the elephant stays in front of the car until the driver allows him to carry out his inspection.

Elephants are a protected and endangered species in India. Forestry officials say the elephant is old and looking for easy food, and have advised motorists not to harass it.

SaintFM was unable to ascertain if the elephant only committed his crimes on trunk roads.