Kandhamal Couple Injured in Bear Attack, Villagers Demand Compensation
A couple from Rundimahul village in Kandhamal district was seriously injured after being attacked by two wild bears on Monday morning.
Maneśwar Bondki (50) and his wife Sumukhi Bondki (48) sustained deep wounds on their hands and legs while working near their home.
Hearing their cries, villagers rushed to the spot and managed to drive the animals back into the forest.
The injured couple was immediately shifted to Subarnapur District Hospital, where doctors confirmed their condition is stable.
The incident has sparked concern among locals, who say human‑wildlife conflict is rising in the region.
Villagers have urged the forest department to bear medical expenses and provide compensation, citing the victims’ poor financial background.
Residents stressed the need for stronger measures to prevent such encounters, including awareness drives and better monitoring of wildlife movement near human settlements.
