Khordha, Feb 25: A man was trampled to death by a tusker while returning home with two friends through a forest route under the Tangi Forest Division on Tuesday.

The deceased has been identified as Babuli Parida of Narmanabi village. The incident took place in the Randa forest area when a wild elephant suddenly chased the three men. In a bid to save themselves, they ran in different directions. While two of them managed to escape, Parida was caught and fatally attacked by the animal.

Sources said Parida was heading home to take his daughter to appear for her matriculation examination when the tragedy struck.

Local residents alleged negligence on the part of the forest department, claiming that proper measures were not taken to drive away or manage the movement of elephants in the area.

Officials of the Tangi Forest Division said that all eligible government compensation and assistance would be provided to the bereaved family. According to the department, more than 20 elephants are currently roaming in various forested pockets under the Tangi range, prompting heightened alert in nearby villages.