Parajang: A wild jumbo herd has been giving sleepless nights to the residents of Gailo Dalit Sahi under Mahabiroad forest range of Dhenkanal forest division.
After a gap of two months, the herd has once again strayed into a forest near the village and is wreaking havoc. The herd strays into the village at nights and damages houses and feeds on harvested paddy crops.
The herd, comprising 22 tuskers, once again strayed into the village Friday night and ransacked the house of a local identified as Kumari Naik. Meanwhile, Kumari’s eight-year-old son, who was sleeping sustained injuries after a wall collapse on him.
Family members rushed out to save their lives when the herd attacked their house. Later, the herd fed on the entire harvested paddy stocked in sacks for sale. Similarly, the herd has also damaged the houses of more than 10 people in the village.
The other victims include Sanatan Naik, Lambodar Naik, Sukuru Naik, Pramila Naik, Gopal Naik, Bipin Naik and Auji Behera.
On being informed, Dihadol Forester Harmohan Nayak along with a forest team reached the village in the morning and took stock of the situation. Angry locals staged protests before them for the latter’s callousness in driving away the wild herd.
They also demanded compensation for the construction of their damaged houses.