Sambalpur: A 70-year-old man was trampled to death by a marauding tusker at Jhankarpali village in Sadar forest range in this district, late Saturday night. The deceased identified as Patra Bhoi, 70, died on the spot. The incident occurred when the deceased and his family members were asleep at home. A tusker strayed into the village and pulled down his house. The animal then chased down Bhoi, caught him with his trunk, and trampled him to death.
To save her husband, the victim’s wife also suffered injuries. On being informed, Sadar Forest department officials reached the spot sent the body for post-mortem, and admitted the woman for treatment at a hospital. Her condition is now stable. The incident sparked panic among the villagers. They alleged that elephant herds are frequently straying into their villages and destroying their crops and properties. Sadar forest ranger Girish Dora said that efforts are being made to drive away the elephant herd inside the jungle while compensation will be given to the next of kin of the deceased after completion of necessary formalities.
