Man trampled to death by tusker in Odisha’s Angul; locals stage road blockade

Angul: A man was killed on the spot by an elephant today morning by trampling him when he had gone outside his house to attend the call of nature near Basala under Bantala forest range in Angul district. The man was identified as 56-year-old Bhabagrahi Jena from the village.

“Bhabagrahi had gone to a field located near his house when a tusker suddenly appeared before him and attacked him leading to his untimely death. Such incidents are taking place often but the forest department is not taking any steps in this regard,” some residents of Basala village rued.

On the other hand, the fatal incident triggered tension in the nearby areas. Incensed residents staged a blockade on Bantala-Mahidharpur road demanding adequate compensation to the next of kin of the deceased man. Vehicular movement was completely disrupted due to the protest.

Angul Forest department officials and a local police team tried to convince the irate residents. However, the locals were not in the mood to budge and withdraw the agitation. Later, the blockade was withdrawn after forest officials assured them of due compensation as per government provisions.