Daily-wage worker killed in elephant attack in Sambalpur

Sambalpur: A 38-year-old daily-wage worker was killed in an elephant attack at Kumer village under Jujumura block on Tuesday morning, triggering protests by villagers who demanded safety measures and compensation for the bereaved family.

Sambalpur assistant conservator of forests Runendra Swain said the department received information around 5.30 am that Laba Bhoi had been attacked near a village pond. The elephant allegedly lifted him with its trunk and flung him to the ground, causing fatal injuries. He died on the spot.

Forest officials and Jujumura police reached the site soon after. Villagers staged a protest, seeking adequate compensation and effective steps to prevent frequent elephant incursions.

The forest department assured the residents of installing a solar fence around the village and solar lighting along routes used by elephants to reduce human-animal conflict.

Following the assurance, the body was sent for postmortem examination.

The villagers said the deceased was the sole earning member of his family. They urged the authorities to expedite compensation, considering the family’s financial condition.

As immediate relief, the department gave the family Rs 10,000, adding that Rs 10 lakh compensation would be released after completion of the postmortem formalities.

Senior forest officials, local staff and Jujumura police personnel also visited the bereaved family.