Tusker Killed After Being Hit by Shalimar Express Near Betnoti in Mayurbhanj

Baripada: A tusker was killed after being hit by the Shalimar Express near the Agria railway crossing, around four kilometres from Betnoti in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, late on Saturday night. The train was halted briefly following the accident before resuming its journey.

According to locals, the elephant was struck near the level crossing while attempting to cross the tracks. Villagers rushed to the spot and later informed the Betnoti Forest Range Office through local journalists.

Residents alleged that elephants frequently move through human settlements, highways, and railway tracks in the Betnoti forest area, but the Forest Department has failed to implement effective preventive measures to avoid such incidents.

Sources said that around 30 elephants roam in the forest regions under the Betnoti Range. On Saturday night, a tusker that had separated from its herd was seen wandering near Sarbana and Bishrampur villages. Around 11.30 pm, it was hit by the Shalimar Express while crossing the track, dying on the spot.

Following the mishap, tension prevailed in the area as locals blamed poor coordination between the Forest and Railway Departments for the tragedy. Forest officials later reached the site and launched an investigation into the incident.