Keonjhar, Oct 10: A 26-member herd of elephants has triggered panic among residents and forest officials in the Patana Range of Keonjhar district. In a tragic incident on Thursday evening, a young man was killed in an elephant attack in the Padmapur eucalyptus forest under the Jamunapashi Beat of the Khireitangiri Section.

The deceased has been identified as Kunarama Sardar, a resident of Jamunapashi village. According to reports, he had gone to see the elephants when two of the animals attacked and trampled him. Forest department personnel rescued him and rushed him to the Keonjhar District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Apart from the fatal attack, the elephant herd has caused extensive damage to paddy crops, trampling acres of farmland and leaving local farmers worried about further losses.

The herd comprises four tuskers, 12 calves and 10 female elephants. It is currently believed to be staying near the border areas of Rajnagar and Turumunga, creating fear among residents of nearby villages.

The forest department is closely monitoring the herd's movements to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of local residents. The presence of the elephants has left villagers on high alert amid concerns over human safety and crop damage.