BHUBANESWAR– In a tragic incident, a wild elephant trampled three people to death in Baghadharia village, Dhenkanal district, Odisha, on Thursday.
The victims were identified as Jhulana Dehuri (55), her brother-in-law Karunakar Dehuri (60), and fellow villager Sashi Sahu.
According to reports, Jhulana was plucking flowers near her home when she encountered the elephant, which fatally attacked her on the spot. Karunakar, who had stepped out to relieve himself, rushed to help after hearing her screams but was also killed by the animal.
Shortly afterward, the elephant attacked Sahu, leaving him critically injured. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and later transferred to Angul District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The triple tragedy sparked protests by villagers, who blocked traffic on the Old Cuttack–Sambalpur Road at Satamile Square, demanding compensation for the victims’ families and action against negligent forest officials.
Odisha Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia expressed condolences and assured support. “The state government will provide adequate compensation to the families and take strict action against officials who failed in their duties,” he said, adding that he had issued directives per Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s instructions.
Following the incident, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Dhenkanal suspended forester Lusimita Singh and attached her to the Hindol Range. Disciplinary proceedings are also being initiated against her, pending approval from higher authorities. (Source: IANS)
