Jaleswar: A herd of 70 elephants from Jharkhand has been unleashing a reign of terror at Raibania in Balasore.
At least 20 houses in Luhapada and Khuada were reportedly destroyed by the animals, which have left the people panicked. Paddy crop worth lakhs of rupees was damaged.
Some people who were rendered homeless have left for other places so as to save their lives. The animals wandered in the forests during daytime and came close to the villages at night to damage property and devour crops.
The administration and the forest department have been facing a difficult time due to the jumbos. DFO Biswaraj Panda visited the area and took stock of the situation. Over 40 forest officials and 100 locals were engaged in the drive against the elephants.
PNN