Panic gripped people as three villagers died in separate incidents of elephant attacks in a single day in Angul district in the wee hours on Saturday.
The incidents were reported from Angul block and the deceased identified as Subash Biswal (60) of Chheliapada, Ramesh Swain (48) of Barasingha and Anirudhh Sahu (54) of Angarabandha villages.
As per reports, Subash was heading towards a garden near the police barrack in his village early in the morning when he was suddenly attacked by an elephant leading to his death on the spot. Ramesh Swain met with a similar fate when he was going out to relieve himself and was trampled by a pachyderm. Anirudh Sahu died in a similar manner as he stepped out to a nearby garden and a jumbo crushed him.
Irate locals alleged that the menace of elephants straying into human settlements and causing damage to crops and attacking villagers has been going on for a few months, but no action has been taken by the Forest Department.
They demanded adequate compensation for the damage and lives lost. “We have lost three farmers due to elephant attacks. But till now, no steps have been taken to take stock of the situation. We demand compensation for the losses and urge the Forest Department to take necessary steps immediately,” the locals said.