Deogarh: Villagers in Bhejikudar village, under Nuadihi Beat of Riamal Range in Deogarh district, were enraged over the elephant menace and tied a forester to a tree.
The forester, Biswas Behera, had been sent to chase away the elephants, but the situation escalated when the villagers, who were already frustrated with the Forest Department’s inaction, got agitated and restrained him.
The incident occurred late at night when Behera, accompanied by two associates, arrived at the forest near Bhejikudar village to drive away the elephants. However, the villagers, who had been complaining about the elephant menace for days, were furious and decided to take drastic measures.
Fortunately, Forest Department officials, including ACF Arun Kumar Behera and Riamal Ranger Niranjan Dharua, intervened promptly and rescued the forester. The officials also mediated with the agitated villagers and tried to address their concerns.
The elephant menace has been a persistent problem in the area, with the animals destroying paddy crops, vegetables, and other crops. Despite repeated complaints from the villagers, the Forest Department has failed to take concrete action, leading to growing frustration among the locals.
