Angul: A man allegedly died after a wild elephant invaded a village at night, damaged a house, and caused a wall to collapse on him when he was asleep.
The tragic incident occurred at Gadatulamul village under Bantala range in Angul district. The incident has heightened fear and anger among locals over rising elephant menace in the area.
According to reports, the wild elephant strayed into the village late at night and damaged the house of Arta Bhoi. The elephant broke the wall of the house, which fell on Arta while he was sleeping inside. He suffered severe injuries.
Family members and villagers immediately rescued him and rushed him to Angul District Headquarters Hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries on the way.
Meanwhile, villagers expressed strong resentment over repeated elephant attacks in the region. In a separate incident near Tumuni village under Bantala police station, a 60-year-old man named Bandhu Behera was seriously injured in elephant attack in a mango orchard.
Hearing his cries, family members and villagers rushed to the spot and informed the Forest Department officials. Bandhu was rescued and admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, villagers have demanded immediate compensation for the deceased’s family from the Forest Department and urgent steps to drive away the elephants to prevent further loss of life and property.
