Balasore: An elderly man was trampled to death by an elephant at Nilagiri under Kuladiha Wildlife Sanctuary in Balasore district, on Friday.
The victim is Harekrishna Pradhan, a resident of Dholpur village under Oupada block in Balasore district.
According to the sources, the tusker trampled him in the morning when Pradhan had gone for a morning walk killing him on the spot.
The death of Pradhan led to tension in the locality with villagers demanding compensation for the deceased’s family.
Dholpur village and adjoining villages under Kuladiha sanctuary have witnessed a sharp rise in man-animal conflicts over the years. However, forest officials have failed to take necessary steps to curb the elephant menace, locals alleged.
Upon being informed, the Forest Department rushed to the spot and pacified the irate villagers.
According to sources, a herd of elephants reportedly sneaked into the village in search of food last night. One of them, however, failed to return to its habitat. The elderly man unfortunately came in front of the elephant and was trampled to death.
