Kandhamal, Mar 14: Panic triggered across parts of Kandhamal district following a series of elephant attacks that claimed three lives in different forest areas within two days.

In the latest incident, a man was killed early this morning when an elephant attacked him in the Rajenbadi–Danipangi forest near Sindurgada under Paburia Panchayat in Tikabali block’s Sarangada police limits. The victim had approached the forest area when the elephant suddenly charged, leading to his death on the spot.

The attack comes just a day after two men were trampled to death in Gumikia forest.

According to reports, three villagers Dhaneswar Pradhan, Kirtan Bagarti, and Bamadev Pradhan had gone to the jungle in Dada Pahad near Petapanga village under Raikia block. While Dhaneswar managed to escape, Kirtan and Bamadev were caught by the elephant and killed.

Locals noted that elephants had been sighted in nearby forests over the past few days after a period of inactivity. The recent attacks have left villagers anxious and fearful. Forest officials said their teams have reached the affected areas and are closely monitoring elephant movements to prevent further incidents.