Bhubaneswar: A peculiar incident occurred in Kumbharabadi village under Bismakatak block in Rayagada district, where a herd of elephants reportedly ate Rs 80,000 in cash stored in a millet bag. The elephants also demolished a house and destroyed crops, including paddy, rice, and pulses, as alleged by a local farmer, Narayan Huika.
The incident occurred when the elephants, numbering over 24, entered the village and ravaged the homes and crops of two families. The elephants’ actions have left the villagers in a state of fear, and the forest department is monitoring their movement.
According to officials, the elephants have been venturing into villages due to a food crisis caused by deforestation and climate change. The forest department has reduced train speeds in the area to ensure the elephants’ safety and is working to prevent further incidents.
Locals said that the elephants have reportedly come down from the Nagligiri forest in Kalyansinghpur, and the forest department is keeping a close watch on their movement.
