Soro: In a tragic incident, a youth was killed and two others turned critical after a wild elephant ventured into a village and attacked them in Balasore district of Odisha on Friday. The elephant trampled the youth on the concrete road of the village for which he died on the spot. The incident took place in the Kalamachua village under Baanshagadhia panchayat in Khaira tehsil.
The deceased youth has been identified as Surendra Das of Purvapada village in the area.
As per information received, the elephant entered the village in search of food and as they youths came in front of it, the tusker attacked them. While it banged Surendra on the concrete road of the village it also tried to trample the other 2. Accordingly, Surendra was killed on the spot.
The villagers are scared following the elephant attack. It has been learned that for 2 days, the elephant has been entering various villages and breaking trees. The elephant has caused extensive damage in villages like Natapada, Bateswar, Mahatipur, Shundira Gandived etc. under Khaira block.
The villagers have complained about the negligence of the Forest Department for this. They have complained that no arrangements have been made by the Kupari Forest Department. An innocent life was lost prematurely due to the negligence of the Forest Department, they alleged.