Dhenkanal, (Newshub desk) — In a devastating incident on Thursday, three villagers lost their lives in an elephant attack in Baghadharia village under Hindol block.
The victims—Jhulana Dehuri (55), her brother-in-law Karunakar Dehuri (60), and Sashi Sahu—were fatally injured in separate encounters with the wild elephant.
Jhulana was reportedly picking flowers near her home when the elephant charged. Karunakar rushed to her aid but was also attacked. Later, Sashi Sahu encountered the elephant and sustained critical injuries.
He was rushed to Angul district headquarters hospital but succumbed to his wounds.
The tragedy sparked widespread outrage, with locals staging a road blockade at Satmile Chhak demanding accountability and immediate action.
Responding swiftly, Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia announced financial compensation for the victims’ families and suspended the Rasol Forester and Forest Guard for negligence. “This is a painful moment for the state. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families and assure strict enforcement against those responsible,” he stated.
