In a tragic incident highlighting the growing human-wildlife conflict, a septuagenarian man was fatally attacked by a rogue tusker in the forests near Bamebari, Keonjhar district, on Thursday morning.
The victim, reportedly from Jharkhand, had been residing in the area for several years, making a livelihood by collecting and selling wood. On the fateful morning, around 10 AM, he ventured into the nearby jungle for his routine work. Unfortunately, he encountered a rogue elephant, which charged at him, knocking him down before dragging and trampling him fatally.
Local villagers, who witnessed the horrific event, immediately informed the forest department. Officials from the Bamebari Forest Range rushed to the spot and recovered the body, sending it for post-mortem examination.
According to sources, the deceased was an elderly and destitute individual who had been living in the region without family support. Officials are trying to confirm his identity and locate any relatives.
The forest department is now investigating the presence of rogue elephants in the area, as such incidents have been occurring frequently. Bamebari police have registered an unnatural death case, and further inquiries are underway.
