Man killed in elephant attack in Sundargarh, forest officials on high alert

Panic gripped Barilepta village under the Nuagaon block of Sundargarh district after a 42-year-old man was killed in a wild elephant attack early on Wednesday morning. The deceased has been identified as Lobo Singh, a resident of the village.

The incident occurred in an area close to the Bisra forest division, where frequent elephant movement has been reported in recent days. According to sources, a tusker that had reportedly strayed away from its herd entered Barilepta Bodkatla village at around 7 am, damaging standing crops and triggering fear among villagers.

Upon receiving information, forest department officials rushed to the spot and began efforts to drive the elephant back into the forest. During the operation, Lobo Singh reportedly came in contact with the animal and was trampled to death on the spot.

He was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Also Read: Stage collapses during volleyball final match in Odisha, spectators safe

Forest officials said teams from the Bisra forest division are continuing efforts to trace the elephant and safely guide it back into the forest. However, rescue operations are being hampered by large crowds gathering in the area, with people attempting to spot the elephant and record videos and photographs.

Authorities have appealed to residents to stay away from the affected areas to avoid further casualties and allow forest personnel to carry out operations safely. The incident has once again highlighted the growing concern over human-elephant conflict in forest-adjacent villages of Sundargarh district, prompting renewed calls for preventive measures and enhanced monitoring.