Bhubaneswar, Sept 26: In a tragic incident, a woman was trampled to death by a tusker while she was sleeping in her house yesterday night in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district.
The incident took place in Radhikashol village under Baripada Forest range. The deceased woman has been identified as Manka Hasda, wife of Sitaram Hasda.
Her husband, Sitaram Hasda, narrowly escaped the attack.
Elephants have been causing significant disturbances in the area for several days, prompting the forest department to warn villagers to remain indoors due to the risk of wild elephants entering the village.
According to reports, the tusker ventured out from the Betanati Forest Range, crossing National Highway No. 18 around 3 a.m. The elephant destroyed multiple houses in the village before dragging Manka Hasda out of her home and trampling her.
Local police from Krishnachandrapur arrived at the scene and sent the victim’s body for autopsy at the Baripada District Headquarters Hospital.
Villagers have expressed frustration over the inefficiency of the forest department, as incidents involving wild elephants have been frequent, resulting in loss of life and property.
Reports said four persons including Manka Hasda were trampled to death by wild elephants in the last three days in this locality.