Khurdha: Four people sustained grievous injuries after an elephant attacked them at Malipada cashew orchard under Khurdha forest reserve in the district.
The injured have been identified as Satya Narayan Sahu, Jagbandhu Sahu, Karuna Kar Sahu, and Babuli Maharana of Malipada village.
The incident took place on Monday morning when they came face to face with the elephant while collecting cashew seeds in the farmland.
They were immediately rushed to Khurda hospital and are being treated there. The incident triggered panic among the villagers.
On being informed, a team of forest department officials reached the spot and launched an operation to drive out the animals from the area. They have also started an investigation into the matter.
It may be mentioned here that elephant menace is rising rapidly in the state owing to several reasons, including loss of habitat.
