Sambalpur/Mayurbhanj: There is no end to the conflict between human beings and elephants.
In a fresh incident, two elderly persons were killed in an elephant attack in the wee hours of Saturday at Makarkenda village under Charmal police limits. On the other hand, an elephant died after being struck by lightning in Mayurbhanj district.
The deceased were identified as Sambhu Bhoi, 65, and Dayimati Bhoi, 70, of Makarkenda village under Redhakhol block.
According to villagers, the elephant was attracted by the smell of mahua stored in the village. It pulled down the house of Dayimati at the outset and killed her as she came out to know what was going on.
Her neighbour Sambhu became the animal’s next victim as he came out to help her. The elephant dragged him for about 100 metres from his home and killed him.
Assistant conservator of forest (ACF) Mayadhar Mohapatra and range officer Ramesh Karna from Badamal range office rushed to the spot soon after they were informed about the incident. The officials lodged a report at Charmal police station in this connection.
Police took the bodies to Redhakhol sub-divisional hospital for post-mortem. The next of the kin of the deceased would be given Rs 40,000/- as ex-gratia initially for the last rites and other connected expenses, according to forest officials.
Two people were killed Tuesday night in separate incidents of elephant attack near Garposh under Bamra forest division in Sambalpur district.
Similarly, an elephant, aged about five to six years, died in Badmapur forest under Betanoti range in Mayurbhanj district.
Forest officials visited the spot Saturday, but were unable to ascertain the cause of its death. It is suspected that the animal might have died due to lightning strike.
Forest officials, however, said the reason for its death will be known after post-mortem.
About six elephants of Similipal were spotted in Betanoti forest for about a week. One of the elephants was spotted at Kapei village Friday, but its carcass was found at Patharbai, about one and a half kilometre away.
There were heavy thundershowers Friday night in the area and the animal might have died due to lightning strike, locals said.
