Odisha: Farmer Trampled To Death By Elephant, Close Shave For Son

Kamakhyanagar: A farmer was killed after being trampled by a wild elephant while his son had a close shave at Kandarasinga village under Mahaveer Road forest range here in Dhenkanal district on Thursday.

The incident occurred when Niranjan Swain and his son was returning from his land on cycle after harvesting paddy. The wild tusker, which sneaked into the human settlement, appeared suddenly on their way and attacked them. The animal lifted Niranjan with its trunk and threw him on the ground. Later, it trampled the man to death.  Though he was immediately shifted to nearest Parjanga Community Health Centre (CHC), doctors declared him brought dead.

The tusker also chased the son of the deceased. He ran away to the village area and escaped the animal.

Mild tension has prevailed in the village following death of the farmer. Forest officials rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation.

Locals alleged that the elephants continue to wreck havoc in the village for last several days. But, forest officials have done precious little to protect the lives and properties of the villagers, they added.

Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased have demanded adequate compensation for the death of Niranjan.

Four days ago, an elderly man was trampled to death by an elephant at Khatuahata village near here in same district. Kartika Sahu, 75-year-old man had gone outside his house in the evening for defecation when he confronted a wild elephant. The jumbo lifted him with its trunk and flung him to the ground, leaving him critically injured.

Later, his family members rushed him to the District Headquarters Hospital here in a critical condition. However, he died while undergoing treatment.

The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Dhenkanal, assured the bereaved family of adequate compensation.