Anandpur/Angul: People in Keonjhar and Angul districts are in a state of panic as wild elephants strayed into the human habitations and destroyed properties.
A herd of 22 elephants entered into Solagada village under Champua range in Keonjhar district this morning and went on a rampage, damaging several houses and standing crops.
The elephants also destroyed crops at agricultural fields in Nengadaghara and Jamundalia villages in the district.
The villagers urged the forest officials to take immediate steps to drive the wild animals away from the villages.
Similarly, another herd of 16 elephants were spotted near Belapada village under Talcher range of Angul district.
“The elephants might have strayed into the human settlements in search of food after crossing a nearby river. Efforts are on to drive the animals away from the region”, a forest official informed.
Meanwhile, a headless elephant carcass was recovered near Niranjananahuli in Prabhasuni reserve forest in Deogarh district.
The carcass has been seized by forest personnel and police and sent for autopsy.
