Keonjhar, Jul 21: A rogue tusker created panic in Dullabhpur village under the Bimala Forest Section of Telkoi Range late on Monday night, damaging houses and destroying standing crops, leaving villagers counting heavy losses.

According to local residents, the elephant entered the village and damaged the houses of Jagabandhu Biswal and Mani Biswal. It also smashed household items, including a table and a ceiling fan, before moving further into the village.

The tusker then entered the cucumber field of Upendra Biswal, trampling and destroying the entire crop. Upendra had cultivated cucumbers on one acre of land after taking loans, hoping to earn around ₹1 lakh from the harvest.

The farmer said he was scheduled to harvest the cucumbers and take them to the market on Tuesday. However, the elephant destroyed the crop just hours before harvesting, dealing a severe financial blow.

Upendra and other villagers tried to drive the elephant away, but their efforts failed as the animal remained in the field for a long time, trampling the crop before eventually leaving.

The incident has left the farmer worried about how he will repay the loans taken for cultivation. Villagers have urged the Forest Department to assess the damage, provide immediate compensation, and take effective measures to prevent further elephant incursions into human settlements.