Two persons were critically injured in elephant attack in two villages under Bisra block in Sundargarh district during wee hours on Saturday.
According to sources, an elephant herd has been camping in Mahipani Reserve Forest area under Bisra Forest Range of the district and has unleashed a reign of terror in the vicinity. The herd attacked one Madani Mahanta (55) of Jamberna village under Bisra block when she had gone to attend nature’s call. She had sustained multiple injuries before being rescued by some villagers and rushed to the Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH). Similarly, at Teterkela village under Bisra block, one Gosei Mahanta (45) also faced the same elephant herd, when she was returning after attending nature’s call. One elephant smashed him on floor after lifting him on tusk. Mahanta was rescued by the villagers and was also sent to the RGH.
“Our staff members are vigilant and keeping a close watch on the movement of the elephant herd, which has been camping at Sarubahal village,” said Bisra Forest Range range officer SC Sahani. “We have started an operation to drive away the herd on Saturday evening and soon the problem will be over,” Sahani assured.