Bhubaneswar: A wild elephant attacked a group of three friends, killing one of them at Tangi Forest area under Khordha Forest Range.
The deceased has been identified as Babuli Parida, a resident of Narmanavi village. The incident happened in Randa forest on Tuesday evening as the trio was returning home from a nearby jungle.
According to eyewitnesses, the elephant suddenly emerged from the bushes and chased the group, who ran for their lives. While two of the friends managed to escape, Babuli was not so fortunate and was trampled to death by the enraged animal.
The deceased, Babuli, was on his way home so that he would drop his daughter for her matriculation examination on Wednesday.
The Tangia forest range is home to over 20 wild elephants, which have been causing havoc in the area, often straying into nearby villages and causing damage to crops and property.
The forest department has assured the family of the deceased of all possible assistance, including compensation and support. However, locals are demanding stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
