Upset over jumbo menace, villagers detain 11 forest officials in Mayurbhanj

Angry over the damage caused by wild elephants, the residents of Siromanipur village under Dudhiani Range in Mayurbhanj district vented their ire at the forest department and detained at least 11 staff on Monday.

According to sources, the locals detained Raruan forester Umakanta Behera along with 10 other temporary staff of the tiger protection force over the unabated jumbo menace in the area and delay in releasing compensation for the crops damaged by the wild animals.

The villagers detained Umakanta and his staff when they went to the village to drive away wild elephants, sources informed.

Later, Dudhiani range forester Bhaguram Besra swung into action and tried to rescue the detained personnel from the clutch of the villagers. However, the villagers reportedly detained Besra along with the department’s patrolling vehicle while they released Umakanta.

Besides, they protested against the forest officials demanding immediate release of compensation for the crop damage.

It can be mentioned here that as many as 24 elephants are wreaking havoc in the locality.