Elderly Man Killed in Elephant Attack Sparks Outcry in Deogarh

Koradapashi village in Odisha’s Deogarh district was struck by tragedy when Kuhla Nayak, a 60-year-old resident, was fatally attacked by an elephant while visiting a nearby forest area.

The incident occurred under the Kundheigola forest section of the Reamal range, where a herd of elephants has reportedly been causing widespread damage for days.

Forest officials and police, including Range Officer Niranjan Dharua and Forester Manmath Behera, swiftly responded to the scene and recovered the body. A post-mortem was conducted at Chandipada Community Health Centre.

Local residents, alarmed by the recurring elephant incursions, are demanding immediate action. Many are calling for the herd to be tranquillised and relocated to prevent further loss of life.

The Forest Department has initiated procedures to provide government compensation to the victim’s family.

This incident underscores the growing tension between human settlements and wildlife habitats in Odisha, raising urgent questions about forest safety and conflict mitigation strategies.