Bolangir elephant attack: Victim’s family alleges harassment over pending compensation

A tragic elephant attack in Odisha’s Bolangir district has triggered allegations of harassment and intimidation against forest department officials, as the family of the deceased continues to await full government compensation several months after the incident.

The incident occurred in December last year in the Bangomunda range area, a region known for frequent human–elephant conflict. Mandar Putel, a resident of Sanbanki village, was killed in an elephant attack, leaving her family devastated and dependent on government relief for survival.

Compensation Delay Sparks Allegations

As per government norms, the family of a person killed in a wild elephant attack is entitled to Rs 10 lakh as compensation. However, the victim’s husband, Satyanand Putel, alleged that the forest department has so far disbursed only Rs 1 lakh, with the remaining amount pending without any clear explanation.

Satyanand claimed that despite making repeated visits to the forest department office over the past several months, no concrete steps have been taken to release the remaining compensation. He alleged that he has been forced to run from office to office seeking justice for his family.

Allegations Against Forest Official

The bereaved husband further alleged that instead of extending support, the concerned range officer has been harassing and threatening him. In a bid to substantiate his claims, Satyanand reportedly conducted a sting operation involving Bangomunda Range Officer Padmanabh Kumbhar.

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According to Satyanand, the sting allegedly captured the officer issuing threats and raising doubts over the circumstances surrounding the elephant attack that claimed his wife’s life. The allegations have sparked outrage, especially as the family claims they have received only partial compensation.

Calls for Accountability

Bolangir district has witnessed repeated incidents involving human and elephant casualties in recent years, intensifying demands for timely compensation and greater accountability from authorities. Locals and activists have called on the administration to ensure transparent handling of compensation cases and humane treatment of affected families.

No official response has yet been issued by the forest department regarding the allegations.

Further details are awaited.