Khurda, Jan 24: Panic gripped Gayabandh village under Jankia police station limits after a 50-year-old man was killed in a wild elephant attack early this morning.


The deceased has been identified as Sansari Bhujabal, a resident of the village.


According to reports, Bhujabal was walking along a village road early in the morning when a wild elephant suddenly emerged from the nearby forest and attacked him, resulting in his death on the spot.


Forest department officials had not reached the site immediately after the incident, raising concerns among villagers. Residents of Gayabandh and surrounding areas have long been troubled by recurring elephant incursions.


In the past 3–4 years, two people from Gayabandh and three from neighbouring Damanbhuin have died due to similar elephant attacks.


More than ten others have sustained injuries. Despite repeated attempts, the forest department has failed to drive the elephants back into the jungle, leading to growing resentment and fear among locals.


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The incident has once again highlighted the growing concern over human-elephant conflict in forest-adjacent villages of Khurda, prompting renewed calls for preventive measures and enhanced monitoring.