Elephant Attack in Bargarh: Couple Trampled to Death While Guarding Crops

Bargarh, August 26,(OT Webdesk ): In a heartbreaking incident that underscores the growing human-wildlife conflict in Odisha, a couple from Dhandupali village in Bargarh district was trampled to death by a wild elephant while guarding their vegetable crops.

The victims, Balaram Rana and his wife Sashi Rana, had been sleeping overnight at their farm in the Padmapur area when the elephant strayed into the field.

In an attempt to protect their crops, they tried to drive the animal away. Tragically, the elephant turned aggressive and fatally attacked them.

Their bodies were discovered the next morning by family members, along with extensive crop damage. Forest officials arrived at the scene shortly after being informed.

The incident has plunged the village into mourning, with residents demanding compensation for the bereaved family and accountability from the Forest Department.

This tragedy adds to the rising number of wildlife-related fatalities in forest-adjacent regions of Odisha, where such encounters are becoming alarmingly frequent.