A 39-year-old man, Premanand Oram, died early this morning after being trampled by a wild elephant in Podiabahal village under Hapriabahal range of Sambalpur district.
The incident occurred around 5 AM when Oram went out for morning ablutions. He suddenly came face-to-face with the elephant returning to the forest. The animal charged and trampled him, causing instant death.
Forest officials rushed to the spot after receiving information. Range Officer Sunil Khilari confirmed that staff had been deployed to drive elephants away from human settlements. He said elephant herds had been sighted in two locations nearby, and the tragedy occurred as one herd was moving back toward the jungle.
Authorities assured that government assistance will be provided to the victim’s family. The incident highlights the growing human-elephant conflict in Sambalpur, where villagers often encounter herds near forest fringes.
