Bhubaneswar: December 02:
One individual was killed and another seriously injured in an elephant attack in Telkoi, Kendujhar district. The deceased has been identified as Chakradhar Maharana, aged 21, from Rugudihi village, under the Saleikena panchayat, of Telkoi police station. The seriously injured individual is Biju Munda, also aged 21.
At approximately 11:30 pm, a herd of 39 elephants entered the paddy fields in the Baghamunda area. Chakradhar Maharana and several others attempted to drive the elephants away. During this effort, one elephant turned, seized Chakradhar with its trunk, and fatally injured him.
The Forest Department and police arrived at the scene, recovered the body, and transported it to Telkoi Hospital, where Chakradhar Maharana was declared dead. The following morning, another individual, Biju Munda, aged 21, from Rugudihi village under Telkoi police station, Salikena panchayat, was attacked by an elephant while in the courtyard of his house. He was admitted to Telkoi Hospital in critical condition and subsequently transferred to the Keonjhar district headquarters hospital.
Currently, more than 39 elephants are present in the local area and over 50 in the Telkoi range. Local residents are experiencing significant distress as elephants continue to destroy crops, homes, and livelihoods.
