Champua: A youth was killed in an elephant attack at Uchhabali under the Ukhunda forest section of Champua forest range in Keonjhar district Monday afternoon.
The victim was identified as Samarendra Mohanta, 18, son of Manoj Mohanta of Bhandabanka Sahi. According to reports, Samarendra had gone to Uchhabali for some work when he was attacked by an elephant.
Locals rushed him to Bhanda hospital in critical condition, where doctors declared him dead.
Forest officials said 37 elephants are currently moving within the Champua forest range, including three in the Uchhabali area.
Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Akshay Chhatria said the victim’s family will receive an initial government compensation of Rs 1 lakh from the total ex-gratia amount.
