A rogue elephant attacked and killed a young man in Telkoi, Keonjhar district, during the early hours of Tuesday.
Authorities identified the deceased as Chakradhara Maharana, a resident of Rugudiha village under Saleikana panchayat. Meanwhile, reports confirmed that a herd of 39 elephants has been roaming in the Barahadebatta police station area, damaging crops and threatening villagers.
The tragedy unfolded near Baghmunda Sahi when Chakradhara tried to chase the elephants away from the paddy fields. At that moment, a tusker charged at him and fatally attacked him.
Consequently, villagers voiced strong concerns about the recurring elephant menace. They explained that the herds have not only destroyed agricultural land but also endangered lives. As a result, forest officials and local authorities now face mounting pressure to act quickly and prevent further casualties.
Furthermore, the incident highlights the growing human-wildlife conflict in Odisha. In Keonjhar, elephant herds frequently stray into villages in search of food, creating tension between communities and wildlife.
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