Patana: Two men were critically injured early Sunday after being attacked by a honey badger in Ankura village under the Patana range of Keonjhar district, forest officials said.
The attack occurred around 5:30 am when the animal reportedly injured Bijay Nayak, 54, and Jagadish Nayak, 60, inside the village. Patana Range Officer Bana Bihari Sardar said Bijay sustained deep injuries to his leg and head while he was on his way to relieve himself.
Jagadish suffered severe leg injuries while threshing paddy in his farm shed. Both victims were taken to the Patana CHC for treatment.
Villagers said they briefly managed to restrain the animal with a rope, but it escaped before forest personnel arrived. Forest officials reached the spot soon after being alerted and have begun an investigation. Efforts are underway to locate the animal and assess any further threat to residents.
