Rourkela: A nearly 12-year-old elephant died after coming in contact with an electric wire allegedly laid around a paddy field to protect crops at Tungri Toli village under Bandhamunda police station limits.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday night when the elephant entered the field in search of food and came in contact with the live wire, resulting in its death on the spot.

On being informed, forest department officials from Rourkela reached the spot and initiated steps for a post-mortem examination. An investigation has been launched to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident. Two persons have reportedly been detained in connection with the elephant’s death.

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Local residents said elephant herds frequently enter villages and paddy fields in search of food, posing a threat to crops and human lives. The incident has once again highlighted the growing human-elephant conflict in the region.

They alleged that although the forest department responds to reports of elephant movement and drives the herds away, the animals often return to agricultural fields and nearby settlements. The recurring incidents have left villagers anxious, with residents expressing concern over the loss of both human lives and elephants.

The villagers stressed the need for a lasting solution to prevent elephants from entering agricultural fields and settlements.

The forest department is investigating the case, and further details are awaited.