A 38-year-old daily-wage worker was killed in an elephant attack at Kumer village under Jujumura block in Sambalpur district on Tuesday morning. The incident triggered protests by villagers who demanded safety measures and compensation for the bereaved family.
Details of the Incident
Sambalpur Assistant Conservator of Forests Runendra Swain stated that the department received information around 5:30 am that Laba Bhoi had been attacked near a village pond. The elephant allegedly lifted him with its trunk and flung him to the ground, causing fatal injuries. He died on the spot.
Forest officials and Jujumura police reached the site soon after the incident. Villagers staged a protest, demanding adequate compensation and effective steps to prevent frequent elephant incursions.
Assurances from Forest Department
The forest department assured the residents of installing a solar fence around the village and solar lighting along routes used by elephants to reduce human-animal conflict. Following the assurance, the body was sent for postmortem examination.
Villagers said the deceased was the sole earning member of his family. They urged authorities to expedite compensation, considering the family's financial condition. As immediate relief, the department gave the family Rs 10,000. Officials added that Rs 10 lakh compensation would be released after completion of the postmortem formalities.
Senior forest officials, local staff, and Jujumura police personnel also visited the bereaved family.
