Bhubaneswar: A farmer was killed after being trampled by an elephant at Gayalaba village under Damapada block in Banki in the wee hours of Tuesday.
The farmer identified as Manoranjan Sahu had gone to attend nature’s call when he was attacked by the wild animal.
Tension prevailed in the locality following Manoranjan’s death. The residents of Gayalaba mobbed the forest officials who came to the spot to shoo away the animals. They demanded compensation for the deceased’s family.
On a tip-off, Banki police and senior officials of Damapada Forest reached the spot and pacified the angry locals.
The villagers released the forest officials when they were assured the deceased’s wife would be given a job.
Local residents alleged that wild elephants wreaked havoc in their locality which has become a regular affair. But, the forest department has done precious little to protect the lives and properties of the people, they alleged.
Last month a seven-year-old boy was killed after being trapped under a mud wall following an elephant attack at Ragadishai under Sorisapada section of Kapilas range in Dhenkanal district on March 20.
The child died when the wall of his house collapsed after a wild elephant broke it last night. The incident occurred when the family members including the child were asleep.
