(OT Webdesk) Purnachandrapur village in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha faced a heartbreaking tragedy late Monday night.
Hemant Kumar Jena, a young local resident, was fatally attacked by a wild elephant while it was feeding on paddy crops near the village. The incident occurred at around 9:40 PM, underscoring the escalating human-wildlife conflict in the area.
Reports indicate that a herd of 18 elephants migrated from neighboring Jharkhand to the Amarda forest area in search of food.
These elephants frequently venture into agricultural fields at night, creating dangerous encounters for local residents. Despite efforts to manage wildlife movements, fatal interactions such as this are becoming increasingly common.
Hemant’s tragic death highlights the urgency of addressing human-elephant conflicts through sustainable measures, including enhanced wildlife management strategies and community awareness programs.
