TV
A youth was trampled to death by a tusker in Bhuinpur village under the Ukhunda section of Champua range in Keonjhar district on Friday. The shocking event occurred when a large crowd gathered to watch a herd of elephants roaming near the village.
According to eyewitness accounts, as the villagers were observing the herd, one tusker suddenly charged forward, taking advantage of the darkness to break through the gathering. In the chaos, Ramu Mohant of Baghmara village, under Khireitangiri panchayat in Patna block, slipped into a paddy field while trying to escape. The elephant trampled him in the muddy water, leading to his death on the spot.
Forest Officials Respond
Forest department officials rushed to the site soon after the incident. They managed to drive away the herd and later recovered the body of the deceased. The incident has once again highlighted the increasing conflict between humans and elephants in parts of Odisha, especially during the crop season when herds frequently stray into villages.
Similar Incident in Dhenkanal
In another incident, a farmer was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Tangishala village under Mahalunda panchayat of Hindol block in Dhenkanal district. The deceased, identified as Muliya Samal of the same village, was attacked while heading to his farmland early on August 2. The elephant charged without warning, killing him on the spot.
Recent Fatalities Raise Alarm
This is not an isolated case in the district. On July 31, two people were trampled to death and another critically injured following an elephant attack near Baghdharia village under Hindol in Dhenkanal. The spate of incidents within a short span has raised concerns over safety in elephant-prone areas, prompting calls for stronger preventive measures by the authorities.
The repeated encounters have left villagers anxious, as human-elephant conflict continues to claim lives across Odisha. Shrinking forest cover and habitat loss are reportedly pushing elephants into human settlements, leading to more frequent and often fatal confrontations.
