Bonai, Oct 21: Man-Elephant conflict seems to be increasing in Sundergarh district.  The Jumbos also destroyed paddy crop spanning across several acres of farmland in Jharabadam, Mushaposha, Rautarani forcing farmers to spend sleepless nights.

Sources said, herd of elephant entered the villages and caused damage to paddy crops. Last night, the raid of the elephants on the plantation has led to a loss of over several lakhs of rupees, leaving the growers in depression.

The elephants are in search of food strayed into human settlement.

Being informed, the forest officials reached the spot. Efforts on by forest dept personnel and local villagers to drive away the tuskers.

The officials started investigation into the matter.