Baripada, Mar 4: Two fatal elephant attacks were reported in the Baripada Forest Division on Tuesday, with one occurring in Bhadusole village under the Rasgovindpur Range and the other in Kuliana block under Deuli Range. The incidents have raised alarm in the region, where growing concerns over elephant movements and crop damage have intensified the anxiety of local residents.

In the first attack, Laxman Marandi, a man from Bhadusole village, was killed by an elephant while he was in his field. Villagers later discovered his body lying in the field and immediately alerted the authorities. Forest department personnel arrived at the scene and began the necessary procedures. Over the past few days, a herd of five to six elephants has been causing significant disruption, moving from village to village, damaging crops, and spreading fear among the community.

In the second incident, reported from Kuliana block in Deuli Range, a man was attacked and killed by an elephant while he was in the field to relieve himself. The elephant reportedly struck him in the head, causing fatal injuries, though the rest of his body remained undisturbed. The attack led to widespread tension in the village, with residents expressing deep concerns about frequent elephant incursions and the damage to crops.

Local police and Forest Department officials quickly arrived at the scene, working to calm the residents who were considering blocking the roads in protest. With the intervention of local intellectuals, the situation was brought under control. The villagers demanded that the elephants be removed from the area to prevent further loss of life.

Authorities assured that the families of the deceased would be compensated for their loss. The bodies were later sent to the PRMMCH in Baripada for post-mortem examination.