Keonjhar: Hundreds of villagers from Dubulapal staged a demonstration outside the Telkoi range office after a woman died and her husband was severely injured in an elephant attack in Badirijhara cashew forest on Wednesday.
The protesters accused the forest department of negligence, claiming officials failed to warn locals about a herd of elephants roaming in the Dullavpur area for the past three days. “No warnings were issued, and there was no public announcement about the presence of elephants in our area,” said Hrudananda Sahu, one of those leading the protest.
Villagers also alleged that the elephant squad and patrolling staff were not properly performing their night duties and were submitting false reports. The protesters demanded several measures, including construction of protective trenches around village areas, adequate compensation for the victim’s family, proper medical treatment for the injured, enhanced security arrangements for villagers and action against negligent forest staff.
Telkoi ranger Shivaji Mohan Rao denied allegations of negligence. “We held discussions regarding their demands, and the protesters dispersed peacefully,” he said.
The demonstration saw participation from numerous village representatives.