A herd of wild elephants trampled a 40-year-old man to death in Belatuni village under Bhanjanagar block, Ganjam district, Odisha, late Friday night.
The victim, Bikram Nayak, was inside his house when the elephants strayed into the village. They dragged him out and fatally attacked him. Locals alerted authorities immediately. Forest officials and police reached the spot and confirmed the death.
Local MLA Pradyumna Kumar Nayak instructed the District Forest Officer to take swift action. He also directed officials to provide financial assistance to the victim’s family under government norms. The elephant attack in Odisha triggered panic among villagers, who now fear further incidents.
Residents of Belatuni expressed concern over the rising human-elephant conflict in the region. Many blamed deforestation and shrinking habitats for the frequent elephant incursions. Villagers demanded stronger protective measures and quicker response from forest officials.
Bikram Nayak’s death marks another tragic entry in Odisha’s growing list of wildlife-related fatalities. His family mourns the loss while the community calls for urgent intervention. Authorities have begun tracking the herd to prevent further damage.
Odisha has witnessed a surge in elephant attacks over the past year. Wildlife experts urge better coordination between forest departments and local communities. They recommend early warning systems and relocation strategies to reduce conflict.
The incident underscores the need for sustainable wildlife management. Bikram’s death serves as a grim reminder of the fragile balance between humans and nature.
ALSO READ: Missing Youth Found Dead in Power Canal in Bolangir
