Anandapur/Kodapada: An elderly man was killed in an elephant attack at Hasanpur village under Madanpur panchayat of Ghashipura block in Keonjhar district, Saturday.
The deceased was identified as Batakrushna Pradhan, 65, of the same village.
The incident occurred when Pradhan had gone to a nearby forest to attend nature’s call and came face to face with two elephants. One of the animals trampled him under its feet.
Family members rescued him in critical condition and rushed him to Anandapur hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.
On being informed, forest officials and police reached the spot and started tracking the movement of the animals which were found to be hiding in the cashew orchard at Belabahali.
Forest officials also gave away Rs 40,000 ex-gratia to the deceased’s family members and rest financial assistance will be provided after completion of formalities.
PNN
