In an unexpected development, an old farmer who was guarding his paddy was killed on Monday night by one of a herd of 10 elephants near Khairguda village of Kultapada panchayat under the Deogaon police station in Balangir district. The deceased was identified as MachhaMahananda (64) of Khairguda village.
As per reports, the herd of elephants was moving in the area for last few days. The old man was drumming a local music instrument to drive away the jumbos. Suddenly, the elephants appeared and one of them attacked him and leaving him dead on the spot.
“Getting information, we went to the spot; and as per the rules, 10 per cent of the total compensation money was paid to the deceased’s family,” said Balangir Forest Range Officer Keshab Kishore Nayak.
According to official sources, till today, 18 human beings have died due to attacks by elephants in the district since 2009-10.
Balangir DFO Nitish Kumar said, "It (the old man’s death) was an unfortunate incident. We request the people not to disturb the movement of elephants. Adequate compensation will be given for the property or crop damages as per law. The Forest Department is working round the clock to avoid such type of untoward incidents."
On December 3, 125 GajaSathis engaged by the Forest Department were given training to track the movement of elephants and ensure that the elephants are provided a safe passage and make Balangir district a zero-man-to-animal conflict zone in the State, he said.