Khandapara: A minor student of Madhapur village under this block in Nayagarh district went missing after a tusker chased locals while they were taking its pictures Sunday. He was identified as Gudu.
The incident occurred while the pachyderm had strayed into the village Sunday morning after straying from its herd. Locals suspected the boy was killed by the animal as he failed to return to his home while this report was filed. Fear gripped the residents who launched a manhunt to find the missing boy and alerted the forest officials.
According to sources, a tusker after straying from its herd, strayed into a forest near the village Sunday morning. On seeing the pachyderm, locals thronged to the spot. The pachyderm was irritated after locals surrounded it and clicked its pictures.
The infuriated animal then attacked locals who ran away to save their lives. Meanwhile, a student, who was also in the group, was lost in the crowd. The matter came to the fore after he failed to return home. Even as his bi-cycle was recovered, family members failed to trace his whereabouts.
On learning the incident, as many as 19 forest officials reached the village and drove away the animal. The team also launched a manhunt to find the missing boy.
Family members suspected Gudu might have been killed by the elephant. PNN
