Baripada: Panic has gripped Khudapotali village under the Udala forest range after an unidentified wild animal, resembling a bear, went on a rampage and attacked five people in the last 24 hours.
Locals have identified the animal as a Honey Badger. The aggressive animal has been repeatedly entering the village, chasing people, and biting them.
According to reports, the animal first struck on Monday night, seriously injuring two villagers. On Tuesday morning, it attacked three more people, taking the total number of injured to five. All the victims have been admitted to Udala Medical Facility for treatment.
Villagers said the animal attacks people on sight, chases them aggressively, and escapes into the nearby forest after attack. This has left the entire village terrified, with residents afraid to step out of their homes.
Upon receiving information, officials from the Udala Forest Department reached the spot and have launched an operation to track and capture the animal.
Till the last report came in, the Forest department officials have managed to capture the animal.
