An elderly resident of Kanja village, under the Bantala forest range, tragically lost his life on Thursday after being trampled by a wild elephant.
The deceased, identified as Somnath Behera, was heading to his mango orchard early in the morning when the elephant suddenly attacked him, killing him instantly.
Forest Department officials promptly arrived at the scene and initiated an investigation into the incident. As human-wildlife conflicts continue to rise, authorities are urging locals to exercise caution when venturing into forested areas. Reports suggest that wild elephant encounters have increased significantly in the region, posing a growing threat to villagers.
Officials are expected to take necessary measures to mitigate the risks associated with wildlife movement near human settlements. The community remains in shock following the tragedy, highlighting the need for enhanced safety protocols and preventive measures in elephant-prone areas.
