Bhubaneswar, (Orissa Today), June 18: A tragic incident occurred in Saladiha village, Bargarh district, where a family of five was attacked by elephants on Monday night, resulting in three fatalities.
Pana Bariha, along with her daughter Sunanda (10) and son Aditya (3), tragically lost their lives in the elephant stampede. Pana’s husband Bipin, their son Mantu (7), and her father-in-law Jatia sustained severe injuries and are currently in critical condition under medical care.
The family had chosen to sleep in their backyard due to intense heatwave conditions when a herd of elephants entered the village in search of food. The elephants encountered Pana’s house and fatally trampled three members of her family.
The incident has sparked tension in the community, with local police working to calm the aggrieved villagers. Allegations have arisen that the Forest department did not adequately inform residents about the presence of elephants in the area, potentially contributing to the tragic event.
