Balangir: A 60-year-old man was critically injured on being attacked by a wild elephant in Binekela village in Kalahandi district‘s Kesinga range on Thursday. The victim, Bipin Bhoi, a farmer from Binekela, was admitted to hospital.
“The incident took place early in the morning when Bhoi was on his way to his farmland. He is currently undergoing treatment at the district headquarters hospital in Bhawanipatna, and his condition is stable now,” said Bishikesan Kuanr, forester Kesinga section.
According to the forest department, Bhoi regularly went to his farmland early in the morning to irrigate his groundnut crops, which are located on the river bank. Unfortunately, today, he suddenly encountered a herd of five elephants on his route. An adult male elephant became aggressive and attacked him. Bhoi managed to escape from the spot, but he sustained an injury on his waist.
Villagers rescued Bhoi and rushed him to the community health centre in Kesinga. After receiving preliminary treatment, he was shifted to the district headquarters hospital.
The herd had moved into Kalahandi district last night from Balangir after crossing the Tel river. The elephants were resting on the riverbank when they came face-to-face with the victim, Kuanr stated. “A team of forest staff, including myself, is monitoring the movement of the herd. We are making efforts to keep them away from human settlements,” Kuanr added.