A man was trampled to death after a wild elephant strayed into human habitation in Balasore district on Friday, triggering panic among residents of Purbapada and Nuasahi villages under Khaira block.

The deceased has been identified as Surendra Dash, a local resident. According to reports, the elephant entered the villages early in the morning and chased villagers, leading to chaos in the area. Visuals that have surfaced show the elephant moving through the settlement as residents ran for safety.

Victim Succumbs to Injuries at Hospital

During the incident, Surendra Dash was attacked and trampled by the elephant, sustaining critical injuries. He was immediately rushed to Khaira Medical for treatment, but doctors declared him dead upon arrival, sources said.

As per local reports, the elephant was first sighted in the area around 6:00 am. While moving through the villages, it allegedly damaged houses and other property before heading towards a nearby forested area.

Forest Department Launches Monitoring and Rescue Efforts

Following information about the incident, Forest Department personnel rushed to the spot and began tracking the elephant’s movement. Officials said efforts are underway to drive the animal away from human settlements and guide it safely back into the forest to prevent further casualties.

Hundreds of villagers gathered near the forest area where the elephant is believed to have taken shelter at the time of filing this report, heightening tension in the region.

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Forest officials have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid venturing near the forested zone until the situation is fully brought under control. They added that surveillance and precautionary measures are being maintained to avert any further incidents.