Sambalpur: Two people were mauled to death by a bear while they were collecting honey in a forest on the outskirts of Baniabandh village under Sambalpur-Redhakhole forest division, Sunday evening.
The deceased were identified as Cheru Munda, 55, and Krushna Munda, 48, both residents of Baniabandh village.
Another person, Ashadhu Munda, 40, accompanying them suffered critical injuries in the bear attack.
Two other persons Suban Munda, 20, and Subal Munda, 20, escaped the bear attack by a whisker.
The group of villagers had gone inside the forest to collect honey for the Raja festival when the animal came face-to-face with them and attacked them.
On being informed, forest department officials rushed to the spot but failed to recover the bodies as the animal was present in the vicinity. The officials tried to drive away the bear but in vain.
PNN