Fear grips Nuapada village as bears roam freely at night

Panic gripped Gandabahal village under Sinapali police station in Nuapada district after bears were spotted roaming in the village late at night.

According to locals, bears have been entering the village in groups and moving freely along village roads, raising serious safety concerns among residents.

On Saturday night, at least three bears were seen wandering on the streets, forcing villagers to stay indoors after dusk. 

Fear has spread across the area, with residents avoiding stepping out of their homes in the evening hours.

The situation has become more alarming following the death of a woman in a suspected bear attack last Friday. 

The woman had reportedly sustained serious injuries after being attacked by a bear and was rushed to hospital for treatment. She later succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at the Nuapada District Headquarters Hospital.

A local resident, Bhismaraj Meher, said, “Our village is living in fear as bears are roaming freely and even entering houses. Just two to three days ago, a woman was attacked by a bear and died despite being taken to hospital. We only want safety.”

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For the past several days, repeated sightings of bears have created an atmosphere of terror in the village. Locals have demanded immediate intervention by the Forest Department to prevent further incidents and ensure public safety.