In an unfortunate incident, an elephant woke up and attacked forest officials in Khordha district despite being tranquilised, leaving the victims critically injured.
The mishap took place near Gayabandha village under the Jankia police limits on Sunday night.
As many as five forest officials, who were injured in the incident, have been admitted to the AIIMS, Bhubaneswar for treatment.
As per reports, a herd of around 30 elephants was wrecking havoc in the areas of Khordha and Tangi Forest Divisions by damaging properties. On being informed about the presence of the jumbos near the village, several forest officials and a tranquilising team reached the spot. As the team tranquilised the pachyderm, the officials started approaching the animal. The elephant, however, regained consciousness in the meantime and attacked them. The conditions of the injured officials were stated to be critical during treatment.