A woman was killed, her husband and mother were critically injured after a herd of elephants attacked their home in Chahakapara under Bender panchayat of Khaprakhol police station limits in Bolangir district on Thursday night. The deceased has been identified as Phulmati Nag.

According to reports, Phulmati, her husband Gautam, and her mother were asleep inside their house when the elephants, which had entered the area to feed on paddy, struck. As Phulmati attempted to flee, she was trampled by one of the elephants, resulting in her immediate death.

The elephants also caused significant structural damage to the house, including the partial collapse of its walls. Gautam and Phulmati’s mother sustained serious injuries and were promptly admitted to the hospital for medical treatment after being crushed by the damaged walls.

Local Response And Safety Measures

Following the attack, panic spread among the residents of the village. Authorities and forest officials reportedly alerted nearby communities and advised locals to remain vigilant. Residents were warned to stay indoors during night hours when the elephants are most active.

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Forest officials continue to monitor the movement of the herd, which reportedly entered human settlements in search of food. Efforts are ongoing to safely guide the elephants back into forested areas while minimising risks to local residents.