Keonjhar, Dec 2: A man lost his life after he was reportedly trampled to death by a wild elephant at Baghamunda under the Telkoi forest range in Keonjhar district late Monday night.

The deceased has been identified as Chakradhar Maharana, a resident of Rugudiha.

According to reports, a herd of 39 elephants entered the paddy fields near Baghmunda village around 11 p.m. The victim along with Chakradhar attempted to drive the herd away. During the effort, one elephant turned aggressive, caught Chakradhar with its trunk, and trampled him to death on the spot.

Following the incident, forest officials and Telkoi police rushed to the scene, recovered the body, and sent it to the Telkoi hospital.

While an investigation into the incident is underway, the bereaved family members have demanded compensation from the authorities.

The incident highlights the growing human-elephant conflict in Keonjhar, where large herds frequently stray into villages, damaging crops and posing risks to human lives.