Tusker tramples two more to death

ANGUL: The killer tusker, which has so far killed 33 persons,  claimed two more lives under Kaniha forest range on Sunday. The victims have been identified as Ahalya Sahu (40) of Sanchangudia village under Kaniha police limits and Bhisma Majhi (22) of Badachangudia village under Chhendipada police limits.

Kaniha forest range officer Jitendra Behera said Ahalya had gone to nearby forest to collect mushroom when she was attacked by the elephant. She died on the spot. Later, the tusker rushed to Badachangudia village where it killed Bhisma. Irate locals gheraoed the forest and police officials demanding initiative to trap the elephant which is creating havoc in the entire region.

Sources said in the last four years, the tusker, aged about 25 years, has killed 35 persons, including Sunday’s killings. The elephant is moving around in Rairakhole, Athamallick, Jarapara, Handapa, Chhendipada and Kaniha forest range areas.

Despite the elephant going on the rampage, forest authorities seem to be helpless in capturing it. Nandankanan officials, who visited the area twice, failed to capture the animal.The tusker is roaming in the forest regions of Kaniha and Chhendipada range for the last three months, according to a forest official.

Elephant calf dies

Jharsuguda: A four-month-old elephant calf died after falling into a trench dug by railway officials in Telidihi area under Bagdihi forest range of Jharsuguda district on Thursday night. The carcass of the elephant has been sent for autopsy. Sources in the Forest department said since the trench was deep and filled with water, the calf might have accidentally fallen into the trench. Animal activists of the district criticised the local administration for failing to provide  safe habitat for elephants.