Forest Ranger Critical In Elephant Attack In Odisha’s Kalahandi

Bhawanipatna: A forest ranger was grievously injured after being crushed by an elephant near Ratanpur village in Odisha’s Kalahandi district on Sunday.

The victim has been identified as Narla Ranger Prashant Pal. He has been admitted to the district headquarters hospital for treatment.

According to sources, Pal went to the village, where a herd of over 10 elephants had been creating havoc, this morning. The forest ranger inadvertently came in front of an elephant while driving them away, and was trampled by the animal even as he tried to run away to safety. His condition is stated to be critical.

On the other hand, Forest department is considering to tranquillise the lone tusker, which claimed two lives in separate Angul villages on Thursday night. A specialised team from Nandankanan has reached Bantala forest range to assess the situation and explore options for tranquillising the tusker, which is currently in Saradhapur reserve forest.