Keonjhar, Mar 5: A wild elephant that fell into a deep well in Banajodi village under Sadar Block was successfully rescued early Thursday morning after a six-hour-long operation by the Forest Department.

According to officials, the elephant had strayed into the area in search of food when it accidentally fell into the well. Forest personnel, assisted by a JCB machine and Fire Services teams, carried out the challenging rescue operation. Due to the well's depth, a 10-foot trench was dug first to create an access path, and water was pumped in to facilitate the extraction. The well had to be partially broken open using the JCB machine to safely bring the elephant out.

The rescue was prompted after three elephants reportedly separated from their herd on Wednesday night, with one falling into the well. The coordinated efforts by the Forest Department and Fire Services continued for nearly six hours before the animal was finally freed.

After being rescued, the elephant moved towards the forest but caused panic along the village road, reportedly damaging anything in its path with its legs and trunk. During the commotion, three local residents sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the District Headquarters Hospital.

The well reportedly belongs to a family preparing for a wedding the following day. They expressed happiness over the incident, considering the elephant’s arrival an auspicious sign and symbolic of Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings.