Two Killed in Separate Elephant Attacks in Odisha’s Sundargarh District

Bhubaneswar: Two people lost their lives in separate elephant attacks in Odisha’s Sundargarh district during the early hours of Saturday, raising concerns among residents living in forest fringe areas.

The first incident took place in the Koida forest region, where a 60-year-old woman, identified as Sambari Munda, was fatally attacked by a wild tusker. According to sources, Sambari had stepped out of her house late at night with her daughter and granddaughter when they unexpectedly encountered the elephant.

As the animal charged towards them, the three attempted to escape in different directions. While her daughter and granddaughter managed to run to safety, Sambari was caught by the elephant, which reportedly grabbed her with its trunk before trampling her. Her daughter, Balma, also sustained injuries after being knocked down during the attack.

Villagers later chased the elephant away and rushed Sambari to the Koida Community Health Centre. However, doctors declared her dead on arrival.

In another incident reported from Kusumtoli village under the Biramitrapur police limits, Ramchandra Gouda was killed after being attacked by an elephant while he was out on his routine morning walk.

The back-to-back fatalities have spread fear among local residents, particularly in villages located near forested areas. Authorities have urged people to avoid venturing out alone during the early morning or late-night hours, as elephant movement has increased in the region.