Balangir, Dec 11: A herd of nearly 30 elephants has created widespread panic in the Chhataradandi forest area, repeatedly entering nearby villages and damaging houses and crops. The situation turned tragic on Tuesday night when a woman was trampled to death in Sanbanki village under Turekela block.

The deceased has been identified as Mandar Putel of Sanabanki. According to sources, the elephant herd stormed the house of Satyanand Putel while the family was inside. Mandar was reportedly dragged out of the house by one of the elephants and trampled to death. Her husband and father-in-law also sustained injuries in the attack.

The victim leaves behind three children, who have been left in distress following her death. As anger mounted, villagers demanded immediate compensation from the administration. Tension continues to prevail in the area.

Residents say the elephant herd has been wreaking havoc in the region for several days, destroying houses as well as standing paddy crops. However, the Forest Department has not issued any official statement on the incident so far.

Recently, a young man was trampled to death by a wild elephant at Gahanda village under Choudwar police limits in Cuttack district. The deceased, identified as Maheswar Dehury, was a resident of Gahanda village.

According to reports, Dehury had gone to the village pond early in the morning when he was suddenly attacked from behind by the wild elephant. He sustained severe injuries in the attack.

Local residents, upon hearing his cries, rushed him to a nearby medical facility. Unfortunately, doctors declared him dead upon arrival.