An elderly villager was killed in an elephant attack in Utunia village under Palasama section of Riamal Forest Range, Deogarh district, on Wednesday.
The incident sparked tension in the area as locals demanded compensation and employment for the victim’s family.
According to reports, Hridananda Behera (62) had gone to the forest to collect leaves for his goats. While gathering fodder, he encountered a wild elephant and was trampled to death on the spot.
Soon after, forest officials and staff rushed to the location. Moreover, they began efforts to drive the elephant herd away and initiated an investigation into the incident. In addition, police from the Kundheigola station reached the site, seized the body, and sent it to the Chhendipada hospital for a post-mortem. They also registered a case and started a formal inquiry.
The news of Hridananda’s death triggered unrest in the locality. Villagers staged protests, demanding immediate compensation and a government job for one member of the deceased’s family. Consequently, the situation grew tense for some time.
Forest officer Niranjan Dharua and the local sarpanch intervened to pacify the agitated crowd. Furthermore, they assured villagers that the administration would take necessary steps to support the bereaved family. After discussions, the tension subsided, and normalcy returned to the area.
ALSO READ: IIT Bhubaneswar and Survey of India Partner to Advance Geospatial Innovation
