Sundargarh/Dhenkanal, Sept 21: A decomposed elephant carcass was recovered from the Raipuria Reserve Forest under Gurundia block in Sundargarh district.
According to reports, some locals who had gone into the forest spotted the carcass and informed the Forest Department. Following the information, the Jarda Range Officer and forest staff reached the spot and alerted the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO).
The tusker had reportedly been unwell for the past few days and was moving around the forest. Forest officials had been monitoring its movements. After receiving information about the elephant's death, the DFO and Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) visited the spot and initiated an investigation.
Meanwhile, a separate elephant attack was reported from the Kapilash forest range in Dhenkanal district.
A tusker allegedly entered a house at Ramei village under Shorishiapada panchayat late Sunday night, damaged the house and dragged out a man who was sleeping inside. The elephant then attacked and trampled him to death.
The deceased has been identified as 40-year-old Pramod Bhoi of Ramei village. Forest officials from the Kapilash range reached the spot in the morning, recovered the body and sent it for post-mortem examination.
The tusker is believed to have moved into a nearby forest after the incident. The incident has triggered panic among residents of Shorishiapada panchayat, who are now concerned about the continued movement of elephants in the area.
