Angul: A man was killed while two others were badly injured after they were attacked by a bear when they had gone to guard a forest near Bhoipada in Basudevpur panchayat under Athamalik block in Angul district Saturday.
The deceased was identified as Girish Meher (45), while the injured were Sudam Jal and Prakash Mahakud, all residents of the same village.
The injured were admitted to VSS Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Burla.
According to reports, the incident occurred when the villagers had gone to guard the forest. Meanwhile, Girish came face to face with a bear that pounced on him.
The animal first mauled Girish to death. Hearing his screams, Sudam and Prakash went to his rescue, but they were also attacked by the animal. Another man Ramachandra managed to escape the attack and alerted the villagers.
Armed with lathis and sharp-edged weapons, the villagers rushed to the forest and drove away the bear. However, Girish had died by then. The villagers rescued Prakash and Sudam who suffered serious injuries on their thighs and hands. Their condition remained critical.
The incident spread outrage in the village with the villagers demanding compensation for the bereaved family and free treatment of the injured.
Forest and police officials reached the spot and launched a probe. The body was seized and sent for autopsy.
Madhapur forest range officer, Santosh Kumar Bhoi, visited the family of the deceased and provided a compensation of Rs 40,000. He assured the family of further compensation.
PNN