Chhendipada: A man sustained grievous injuries after an elephant attacked him at Patakumunda village under the Chhendipada forest range in Angul district Wednesday.
The injured has been identified as Jharu Behera, a resident of the same village.
According to forest officials, Jharu had gone to the forest Wednesday morning to relieve himself when an elephant attacked him.
The elephant picked the victim upon its trunk and tossed him to the ground. He sustained grievous injuries in his head, hand, and chest following the attack.
He was immediately rushed to the local community health center and later to Angul district headquarters hospital (DHH) after his condition deteriorated. His condition is said to be critical.
On being informed, Chhendipada forest officials reached the spot and drove the elephant away to the nearby jungle. They have also started an investigation into the incident.
Chhendipada forester Kalakar pradhan reached DHH to inquire about the health condition of the victim.
Notably, an elephant trampled an elderly man to death near Machua village under the Morada block of Mayurbhanj district October 1. The pachyderm trampled him to death on the spot. The presence of the jumbos has left the residents panic-stricken.
PNN