Cuttack: The Forest officials managed to capture the elephant that killed two persons in Odisha’s Cuttack city and released it in its original habitation on Thursday.
According to sources, 3 elephants including a calf had strayed from a herd in Athgarh Forest Division in the district on Tuesday. One of them died while crossing river Mahanadi and his dead body was found at Naraj barrage.
The other two elephants entered Jagatpur, an industrial area, sparking off panic among the local people. The adult elephant reportedly trampled two persons of the area to death, while three other persons, who sustained critical injuries in its attack, are undergoing treatment.
A man had a lucky escape after he was attacked and dragged by the elephant that went on a rampage at Nimapur in Jagatpur in the early hours of Wednesday.
The elephant also went on a rampage, damaging vehicles and houses. Following information, the Forest officials advised the locals to remain indoors to avoid any untoward incident. People were also asked to avoid the route between Jagatpur Golei Chhak and National Highway.
After tracking the female elephant on Wednesday, the Forest officials could fire a tranquilising dart at it. They kept a watch on the unconscious elephant throughout night while the veterinarians carried out her health check-up.
After the elephant regained consciousness, the Forest officials carried her tied with chains in a vehicle and released her in forest area of Khuntuni in the district. Earlier, they had captured the elephant calf and sent it to the forest.
