2 Die, 3 Injured In Elephant Attacks In Odisha’s Mayurbhanj

Baripada: Two persons were killed and three others sustained injuries in elephant attacks at three separate places in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district on Tuesday.

The deceased have been identified as Sakra Hembram (59) of Uludihi village and Raghunath Hembram (55) of Sunpuria village. The injured Sanga Mohanta of Uludihi, Sarbeswar Mohanta of Tadki village and Ruchika Soren of Pokharia village have been admitted to Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital here and their condition is stated to be critical.

The incidents have created panic in villages under Betnoti, Deuli and Rasgovindpur forest ranges.

According to sources, a tusker grievously injured Sakra when she was sweeping the verandah of their house. She was rushed to Kisantandi CHC but was declared brought dead. Raghunath was trampled by a tusker while sleeping on verandah of his house last night. He succumbed while being taken to Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital.

Sanga was attacked when he had gone to collect mushroom in Astia village under Betnoti forest range.

According to a forest official, 50 elephants in two herds have been creating havoc in Rasgovindpur and the nearby areas. A herd of 28 elephants entered the range from West Bengal a few months back and another herd of 22 elephants from Betnoti last night.

The villagers have been cautioned against venturing into the forest for collecting dry leaf and mushroom.