Odishatv Bureau

Dhenkanal: In another incident of man-animal conflict in Odisha, a daily wage labourer was killed in elephant attack at Gengutia under Sadar police limits in Dhenkanal district on Saturday.

The deceased identified as Sushant Behera of Gengutia village was on his way to Dhenkanal town along with two other co-workers when a pachyderm attacked the trio near the level crossing.

While the two labourers managed to escape from the spot, Sushant was trampled to death by the wild elephant, sources said.

"Since last five years, the land here is not being used for agricultural purpose as elephants are destroying standing crops. We had earlier requested the forest department to at least alarm us when elephants are straying near the human settlements. But they do not even bother if we inform them about the movement of jumbos in the area," alleged Ranjan Mallick, a local resident.

Sources said a herd of elephants was spotted near the area earlier this week.

"I had no information about the movement of elephant herd in the area. But as the locals are alleging about the presence of the elephants, so squads will deployed here soon," said Dhenkanal Range officer, Darshan Bhoi refuting the allegations of dereliction of duties by forest officials.

A sum of Rs 40,000 will be given to the family of the deceased now and the remaining assistance of Rs 3,60,000 will be provided after the victim's family submits necessary documents, he added.

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