Keonjhar, Aug 7: A herd of 31 wild elephants has unleashed widespread destruction in the Patna forest range of Keonjhar district, leaving villagers terrified.

According to reports, the elephants, which have been roaming the area for several days, struck late last night, and damaged four houses.

The affected homes belong to residents of Banmahuldiha village — Muchia Munda, Ram Munda, Budhia Munda, and Sanatan Munda — whose properties were ransacked by the elephants.

Similar incidents were also reported from Pichhulabeda village, where the houses of Dushmanta Mahakud and Markanda Munda were also broken into and food grains destroyed.

The herd trampled through acres of standing paddy fields, leaving behind a trail of flattened crops and economic despair.

While the officials of the forest department are taking all possible measures to drive away the elephants from the village area, on the other hand, locals are demanding immediate action to relocate the elephants and assess the damage for timely compensation.

Villagers have urged the Forest Department to intensify its efforts to drive the elephants back into the forest and provide relief to those affected.

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