Three women were killed and three others seriously injured when a tusker attacked them while they were collecting wood in Odisha’s Dhenkanal around noon on Tuesday, forest officials said.
Odisha has about 912 elephants, less than many other states. But compared to other states it has recorded more deaths attributed to human-elephant conflicts. (ANI)Indumati Pradhan, Tuni Pradhan and Kuntala Pradhan were trampled to death, Rashmita Pradhan, Rama Dehuri and Jheli Pradhan were seriously injured. Officials said they have been admitted to Dhekanal District Headquarters Hospital. All the women are from Lochapalli village.
“While they were collecting wood in the Patpuri reserve forest, a tusker suddenly came from the forest and attacked them, killing three on the spot and injuring three seriously,” said Dhenkanal divisional forest officer Sumit Kar.
Kar said ex-gratia compensation would be paid to the next of kin of the deceased after the investigation. Police said that a case of wrongful death will be filed in this incident.
Odisha has about 912 elephants, less than many other states. But compared to other states it has recorded more deaths attributed to human-elephant conflicts. In 2024-25, Odisha recorded 153 human deaths and 94 elephant deaths, the highest in India. Due to habitat loss, about 70% of incidents occur in post-monsoon and winter, especially near forested areas.
