Kalahandi Elephant Attack: Farmer Killed in Kesinga

KALAHANDI, ODISHA: A 50-year-old farmer was killed in an elephant attack at Podhkham village under Sirol Gram Panchayat in Kalahandi district's Kesinga forest division on Thursday night.

The deceased has been identified as Akrura Herna, 50.

Farmer Attacked While Visiting His Field

According to information, Akrura Herna had gone to his agricultural field at around 9 pm on Thursday. Due to darkness, he reportedly could not notice the elephant nearby.

Suddenly, an elephant emerged from the forest and attacked him. The elephant trampled Akrura, resulting in his death at the spot.

Forest Department and Police Begin Investigation

After receiving information about the incident, the deceased's family informed the Forest Department.

Despite heavy rainfall, Forest Guard Jashobanta Naik and other forest officials reached the spot and conducted an investigation. Local police also arrived at the scene and initiated an inquiry.

The body was recovered late at night and taken to the Kesinga Community Health Centre (CHC) at around 1 am for post-mortem examination.

Family Faces Financial Crisis

Akrura Herna is survived by three daughters and one son. As he was the sole earning member of the family, his death has left the family facing financial difficulties.

The incident has caused concern among local residents, particularly amid continued human-elephant conflict in the area.

Family to Receive Compensation

The Forest Department said that, as per government rules, the deceased's family will receive compensation of approximately Rs 10 lakh for the death caused by the elephant attack.

Forest Guard Jashobanta Naik said the compensation would be provided to the family according to the applicable government provisions.

Red Cross Provides Immediate Assistance

Meanwhile, on the direction of Kesinga Tehsildar Prashant Pradhan, the Red Cross provided Rs 30,000 in immediate assistance to the bereaved family on Friday.

Local villagers expressed their gratitude to the Forest Department officials and staff for reaching the incident site and carrying out the investigation promptly despite the heavy rainfall.

The incident has once again highlighted the challenges faced by people living close to forest areas, where encounters between humans and elephants can pose a serious threat to life and livelihoods.