A 60-year-old farmer was trampled to death by a tusker under the Panposh forest range in Rourkela on Sunday, marking the third such fatality in as many days under the Rourkela forest division. The deceased has been identified as Nilambar Kalo, a resident of Prem Nagar under Bondamunda police station limits.
Incident Details
Kalo, a farmer by occupation, had gone to his farmland early Sunday morning along with his wife. A tusker from the north Chiruguda reserve forest attacked the couple while they were on their farmland. The woman managed to flee upon seeing the tusker, but the elephant crushed Kalo under its feet, leading to his death on the spot.
Protest by Locals
Residents of Prem Nagar gathered at the site and blamed forest officials for Kalo's death. They staged a protest, which eventually forced forest officials to arrive at the scene. During the protest, the officials assured the family that compensation of Rs 10 lakh would be provided as per rules, following discussions with the district administration.
Compensation Announced
The Red Cross also declared a payment of Rs 30,000 to the bereaved family. Out of the total Rs 10 lakh compensation, Rs 1 lakh was paid in advance to the family. Kalo's body was sent for post-mortem examination. G P S Mathur, assistant conservator of forest, Rourkela, stated, "As per provision, the deceased's legal heir will get the compensation."
Previous Attacks
This incident follows two other fatal elephant attacks in the region. An elderly woman lost her life in a tusker attack under the Kuanrmunda forest range on Friday. Another woman met the same fate under the Banki forest range in the Rourkela forest division on Saturday.
Forest officials have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid venturing into forest areas alone, especially during early morning and evening hours when elephant movement is more frequent.
