Dhenkanal: An elderly woman was killed in an elephant attack on Saturday near Biradia village in Kapilas wildlife sanctuary in Dhenkanal district. The deceased has been identified as Jhuna Nayak of Harijan Sahi of Biradia village.
According to reports, Jhuna along with another elderly woman of Harijan Sahi had gone to graze their goats in the forested area near their village as they used to do every day. They were attacked by an elephant while grazing their goats in the forest.
While Jhuna was killed on the spot, the other elderly woman managed to save her life by fleeing from the spot.
As news of Jhuna’s death spread, villagers entered the forest in large numbers and attempted to shoo away the elephant which was guarding Jhuna’s body.
However, the elephant did not yield to the effort of the villagers. After their efforts went in vain, the villagers contacted Forest department officials.
It was only after Forest department officials managed to drive away the elephant by bursting crackers that the body of the deceased could be retrieved.
The body has been brought to the District Headquarters Hospital here for autopsy.
While villagers have demanded compensation for the victim’s family, the Forest department is investigating the matter.
