An astounding video has emerged of an elephant holding up a bus in order to extort food from the driver in eastern India.

The incident took place on September 30 in Karbi Anglong district of Assam state, with the massive animal blocking the national highway for about two hours.

Visuals show the elephant searching for food in the bus with its trunk.

It soon finds a bag and tries to open it. After a few trials, it succeeds in opening the bag and puts the contents in its mouth.

Unfortunately, that was not the end of its expedition as it soon moves on to a nearby jeep and continues its search for food.

The onlookers kept a distance from the pachyderm as it continues its task, discussing actions and cheering when it finds a bag.

A commuter can also be heard warning others to not get too close to the mammal and endanger their lives.