Saturday, January 17, 2026
Saturday, January 17, 2026
HomeBREAKING NEWSFarmer Killed in Elephant Attack in Dhenkanal’s Hindol Forest Area

Farmer Killed in Elephant Attack in Dhenkanal’s Hindol Forest Area

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Hindol: In a tragic incident of human-wildlife conflict, a 56-year-old farmer, Sudhakar Samal, was killed in an elephant attack in the Hindol forest area of Dhenkanal district on Saturday morning.

Sudhakar, a resident of Tangisala village under Hindol block, had gone to his farmland on Friday but did not return by evening. Concerned family members began a search but were hesitant to enter the area due to frequent elephant movements reported in the region.

On Saturday morning, villagers discovered Sudhakar’s lifeless body in the field with severe injuries, including a severed head, suggesting a violent encounter. Elephant footprints were found surrounding the area, strengthening suspicion of a fatal elephant attack.

Forest & Police Launch Investigation

Officials from the Karnapur Beat House and local police were alerted and promptly arrived at the scene. An investigation is underway, and forest authorities are assessing the situation to confirm the exact cause of death and determine further preventive measures.

Rising Human-Wildlife Conflict in Odisha

This incident adds to the growing number of human casualties due to elephant attacks in Odisha, especially in forest-fringe villages. Dhenkanal district, known for its rich wildlife, has seen frequent elephant movements that often lead to crop destruction, property damage, and, tragically, loss of human lives.

Villagers have long demanded stronger mitigation strategies, including:

  • Early warning systems
  • Elephant corridors
  • Increased forest patrols
  • Compensation and rehabilitation schemes for affected families

Call for Urgent Action

Local residents and environmental activists are urging the Odisha Forest Department to take urgent measures to prevent further tragedies, enhance community safety, and promote peaceful human-elephant coexistence.

The death of Sudhakar Samal is a painful reminder of the pressing need for effective wildlife management in Odisha. As the investigation continues, the focus must shift toward preventive action and stronger forest-village coordination to ensure that no more innocent lives are lost.

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