Sundargarh Elephant Attack: Odisha Villager Killed Amid Rising Human‑Elephant Conflict

Sundargarh, Odisha: A tragic incident unfolded in Ergeda village under Lathikata block of Sundargarh district on Sunday morning when two tusker elephants, engaged in a fierce fight, turned their rage on a local resident.

The victim, identified as Mangra Tirkey (40), had attempted to hide near a pickup van to escape the chaos. However, the enraged elephants overturned the vehicle and fatally attacked him.

Forest department officials, alerted by villagers, rushed to the spot to drive the elephants away, but were initially unsuccessful.

Additional personnel from Bandhmunda and Panposh ranges were later deployed to continue efforts to control the situation.

This incident highlights the growing human‑elephant conflict in Odisha.

With the harvest season underway, elephants often leave forested areas in search of food, damaging crops and sometimes attacking villagers.

The recurring clashes have been described as an “undeclared war” between humans and elephants, leaving communities vulnerable and demanding stronger mitigation measures from authorities.