A 65-year-old man was trampled to death by a wild elephant while collecting firewood in the forest near Bisra in Odisha's Sundargarh district today.
The victim, identified as Joseph toppo, was attacked and trampled by a herd of jumbos inside Sabdega forest near the borders with Jharkhand, Dr Sanji Kumar, DFO, Rourkela Forest Range said.
As soon as the message spread, villagers gathered on the spot, drove away the herd of elephants and recovered the body.
"For the last couple of weeks one herd, consisting of over 15 elephants, is staying near Bisra and is frequenting between the two states", said Kumar.
The herd had been chased away but again came back last night, he said, adding, a sum of Rs 10,000 was given to the family of the deceased and the compensation amount will be handed over to the family later after completion of required formalities.
Meanwhile, another herd of 15 elephants created havoc inside Kuanrmunda forest area and destroyed over 20 houses, the DFO said.
