Dharmagarh: A wild jumbo strayed into Kadalichuan under Kalampur block in Kalahandi district Sunday night and vandalised houses in the village, reports said.
It later went back to the forest after the villagers drove away the elephant.
Meanwhile, a villager Rajendra Majhi had a close shave after the jumbo broke his house wall while he was asleep.
Family members, who woke up after hearing his screams, rescued him.
Local people said it was not the first time the village was under the attack of elephants as there were several such instances earlier as well.
They alleged that despite repeated complaints, the forest officials have failed to keep a track on the movement of animals and prevent them from straying into villages.
The villagers, having realised that they wouldn’t receive timely support from officials, said they have decided to keep themselves awake in the night to prevent further attacks.
They would burst crackers and drive the animal away, locals added.