Deogarh Elephant Attack: Elderly Villager Trampled to Death, Protests Erupt
Deogarh, Odisha: An elderly villager was tragically killed in an elephant attack in Utunia village under the Palasama section of Riamal Forest Range on Wednesday.
The victim, identified as Hridananda Behera (62), had ventured into the forest to collect leaves for his goats when he encountered a wild elephant. He was trampled to death on the spot.
Forest officials rushed to the scene, attempting to drive the elephant herd away and initiating an investigation. Police from Kundheigola station seized the body, sent it for post‑mortem at Chhendipada hospital, and registered a case.
The incident sparked tension among locals, who staged protests demanding immediate compensation and a government job for one member of the deceased’s family.
Forest officer Niranjan Dharua and the local sarpanch intervened to pacify the agitated crowd, assuring that the administration would take necessary steps to support the bereaved family.
Following discussions, normalcy was restored in the area.
This tragedy highlights the growing human‑elephant conflict in Odisha, raising urgent questions about coexistence and safety in forest‑fringe communities.
