Chhendipada: A killer tusker, which has already killed 30 people in forest regions of Angul and Sambalpur districts, is yet to be tackled down and was found still on a killing spree Sunday.
In the latest case, a cowherd at Khuntanali village under this police limits in Angul district was trampled to death by the tusker Sunday. The deceased was identified as Jay Sahu (60).
Sahu was returning home with his herd of cattle Sunday evening when he came face to face with the elephant. The animal picked him up on its tusk and trampled him to death.
The death of Sahu sparked tension among co-villagers as the villagers led by village committee president Arakhita Sahu and sarpanch Binayak Behera burnt tyres on Jarpada-Chhendipada road and staged a road blockade for over three hours.
The road blockade disrupted traffic on the route and left vehicles stranded on both sides of the road for long hours.
They also staged demonstrations outside the local forest range office demanding immediate compensation for the bereaved family and steps to drive away the killer tusker which has refused them to live in peace.
They also sought cleaning of the bushes and shrubs on both sides of the jungle route over a stretch of 100 mt and finding a permanent solution to the elephant menace by involving all stakeholders.
The protesters relented after forest ranger Durga Charan Sahu held talks with them and assured compensation for the bereaved family.
They warned of intensifying their agitation in coming days if their demands are not fulfilled at the earliest. The tusker has unleashed a reign of terror in Chhendipada, Kaniha, Handapa, Bamur and Redhakhole forest regions. PNN
