4 days ago
One dead, another injured in elephant attack in Keonjhar
Keonjhar: A wild elephant attacked a contractor's camp near Pichhulabeda village in Patna range, killing one person and seriously injuring another on Friday night. Two others managed to escape unhurt.
The deceased has been identified as Biranchi Jena (40), a native of Dharmasala in Jajpur district. The injured, also named Biranchi Jena (60) from Badachana area, was initially treated at Patna community health centre before being shifted to Keonjhar district headquarters hospital in critical condition.
The victims, both masons, were sleeping in a tent at the construction site of a bridge over Pichhulabeda canal when the incident occurred.
According to eyewitnesses, the tusker suddenly charged at the tent, crushing it while two workers managed to flee.
"The family of the deceased will receive Rs 10 lakh compensation as per govt rule," said Bana Bihari Sardar, forest range officer of Patna range.
The tusker is currently camping in Atei reserve forest near Ghatagaon range. Last week, the same elephant had damaged a motorcycle near Draupadi hill road even as the rider escaped unhurt.
