A Forest worker was killed and another was seriously injured after a wild elephant attacked them inside Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha's Angul district on Monday.
The incident took place near Jagannathpur village under the Pampasar forest range. The deceased has been identified as Biswaranjan Sahu of Jagannathpur village, while the injured forest worker is Dayanidhi Dehuri.
According to reports, the two were checking a forest area following reports that poachers might have laid illegal electric hooks for hunting wild animals. While carrying out the inspection, they were suddenly attacked by an elephant.
One Died On The Spot
The elephant reportedly charged at the two forest personnel, leaving both critically injured. Biswaranjan Sahu died on the spot in the attack.
After hearing Dayanidhi’s cries for help, other forest staff and villagers rushed to the area and rescued him. He was later admitted to the Angul District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.
Villagers Stage Protest
The incident sparked tension in Jagannathpur village, with angry residents staging a road blockade and demanding compensation for the family of the deceased.
Villagers said the death of the forest worker has left the entire area shocked. They also raised concerns over the increasing movement of elephants in the region and the risks faced by people working in forest areas.
Investigation Underway
Forest department officials and police reached the spot after the incident. The body was sent for post-mortem, while an investigation has been launched into the circumstances leading to the attack.
Officials are also looking into reports that the forest workers had gone to verify the presence of illegal electric hooks allegedly laid by poachers in the area.
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No official statement has been issued by the forest department or police regarding the incident so far.