A couple from Dhandupali village in Odisha’s Bargarh district lost their lives after being attacked by a wild elephant.
The victims, Balaram Rana and his wife Sashi Rana, were reportedly guarding their vegetable crops overnight when the tragedy occurred.
According to local sources, the couple had been sleeping at their farm in the Padmapur area when a wild elephant strayed into the field. In an attempt to protect their crops, they tried to drive the animal away. Unfortunately, the elephant turned aggressive and trampled them to death.
The next morning, family members discovered the destroyed crops and the lifeless bodies of the couple. Forest officials arrived at the scene shortly after being informed. The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the village, with residents demanding compensation for the bereaved family and accountability from the Forest Department.
This tragedy highlights the growing human-wildlife conflict in regions bordering forested areas, where such encounters are becoming alarmingly frequent.
