Dhenkanal Elephant Attack: Three Women Dead, Odisha Confronts Human-Wildlife Conflict
Dhenkanal, Odisha: A tragic incident unfolded in Patpuri forest when a tusker elephant attacked six women collecting firewood.
Three women—Indu Pradhan, Tuni Behera, and Kuntala Pradhan—lost their lives, while Rama Dehuri, Rasmita Pradhan, and Jhili Pradhan sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital.
Forest officials have launched efforts to track the elephant and prevent further danger. Authorities have assured compensation for the victims’ families.
Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed deep sorrow, calling the incident “extremely painful,” and urged the government to strengthen safety measures, including early warning systems in vulnerable areas.
This tragedy underscores the growing human-elephant conflict in Odisha, driven by deforestation and habitat encroachment.
Experts emphasise the urgent need for sustainable conservation strategies to protect both communities and wildlife.
