Redhakhol: A farmer who had gone to watch over his crop was killed in an elephant attack late Sunday night while his nephew had a close shave.
The deceased was identified as Trilochan Ghibala (58) of Dangapathar of Charmal forest range under Redhakhol forest division in Sambalpur district.
According to sources, Trilochan along with his nephew Pradeep Ghibala had gone to watch over his harvested crops stoked in an open field. They set up a makeshift tent and slept in it in the night. Meanwhile, a herd of elephants strayed entered the field and fed on the crops late in the night.
On hearing the noise, Pradeep woke up and managed to hide himself. Before he could alert Trilochan, who was asleep, an elephant lifted the latter and battered him to death. Pradeep ran away to the village and alerted the residents who informed forest officials.
Charmal range officer Haresh Kishan along with a team reached the village and took stock of the situation. Police seized the body Monday and sent it for post-mortem to Redhakhol government hospital.
The incident sparked outrage among farmers who demanded compensation for the bereaved family. Kishan provided a compensation of Rs 30,000 to the family and assured Rs 70,000 more in the next 10 days.
Further compensation as per government norms will be provided soon, divisional forest officer Sangram Behera said.
Trilochan is survived by his wife and six daughters, four among whom are unmarried.
Rimish Tete of Dimirimunda village in the same panchayat was killed in an elephant attack when had gone to attend nature’s call September 5 night. PNN
