Basta: An elderly man was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Natakata panchayat of Basta block late Thursday night, triggering panic in the area.
The victim, identified as Thakur Marandi, was attacked while he was on the road near Bhandipur and Paninagar villages.
A herd of 13 elephants that had strayed from the Mayurbhanj border forests had entered the villages, causing widespread damage to crops.
The incident has created an atmosphere of gloom and fear in the area.
Locals have also raised concerns over the prolonged shortage of officials and staff at the Basta Forest department office, alleging delayed response to recurring elephant intrusions.