Jaleswar: A herd of 15 elephants had been holing up at Kusagada forest under Raibania police limits in Balasore since Tuesday. Their presence has triggered panic among local residents.
At night, elephants come out of the forest and cause mayhem at Kandaragadia, Sanahaladigundi and Badahakladigundi. Some residents have left the villages, fearing jumbo attack.
Meanwhile, a team of forest officials accompanying forester Tapan Singh and police officials of Kusagad outpost have launched an operation to drive out the animals from the area. The animals are being pushed into the West Bengal side.
The herd has been staying in the forest for the 12 days.
Elephant strays into Barbil town
Barbil: Now elephants have even strayed into towns in Keonjhar. Monday night, an elephant entered Barbil town and triggered panic among residents. Forest officials, firefighters and police had a tough time in driving out the animal into Thakurani forest at 10 pm. However, after one hour, it reappeared at Shedding Basti. The forest officials were alerted and the animal was driven back to Thakurani forest. The animal had not caused any damage. Locals said, 12 years ago, an elephant had stormed into the town.