Bhubaneswar: An elderly person was trampled to death by a wild elephant at Digariastia village under Kuliana police station limits in Mayurbhanj district.
The deceased has been identified as Bulu Giri (60), a resident of Digariastia village. The rogue elephant reportedly trampled Giri to death when he was attending nature’s call.
The incident sparked protests, with locals blocking the National Highway 18 at Balimundali near Jeje Dhaba, demanding compensation for the victim’s family and the release of the elephant herd from the area.
The protesters are also demanding that the District Collector to hold talks with them and ensure the elephant herd is shifted back to the Similipal National Park.
According to reports, a herd of four elephants had strayed into the the village last night, searching for food, and were being chased by forest officials, including Vijay Kumar Sethi from Deuli Range.
The elephants, which include a tusker, two female elephants, and a calf, have been in the area for the past six months, with one tusker having returned to Similipal, according to sources.
The police are monitoring the situation.
