Kolkata/IBNS: A class 10 state board examination candidate was killed in an attack by elephant at Raiganj in West Bengal on Thursday morning, media reports said.

The incident happened at Maharaj Ghat area which is beside a forest in Raiganj.

Arjun Das, the victim, was travelling along with his father Bishnu Das on a bike.

An elephant from the forest came out, chased the bike and attacked both Arjun and his father.

Though Bishnu managed to save his life, Arjun died on the spot, failing to escape the elephant's attack.

Condoling the death, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "I am deeply saddened by the death. The number of elephants have increased and the forest department is unable to control them. West Bengal and Jharkhand are facing this problem."

"I have asked my government to arrange a bus for the students residing here to reach the examination hall," she added.

The class 10 state board examinations or Madhyamik examinations began on Thursday.