Tragic Encounter: Elephant Claims Life of Woman in Keonjhar

A tragic incident unfolded in Kusumita village, Keonjhar, where a 60-year-old woman was killed by an elephant while she was gathering mangoes. The Chief Minister expressed condolences and ordered compensation for the victim's family. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, highlighting the dangers posed by wildlife in populated areas. Read on for more details about this heartbreaking event.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 20, 2025, 10:08 IST

Fatal Incident in Kusumita Village

Keonjhar: In a tragic event on Monday morning, a 60-year-old woman lost her life after being trampled by an elephant in Kusumita village, located within the Keonjhar Sadar forest range.

The victim has been identified as Sunaphula Pradhan, a resident of the village.

Expressing sorrow over the incident, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi instructed the Forest department to provide a compensation of Rs 6 lakh to the deceased's family. The unfortunate encounter occurred while she was gathering mangoes from a nearby orchard, where she unexpectedly came across an elephant that had wandered into the area. The elephant attacked her, lifting her with its tusk and forcing her to the ground.

She suffered severe head injuries and was quickly transported to the District Headquarters Hospital, where she was declared dead upon arrival.

Authorities, including Palashpanga forester Jaikrushna Das and Sadar police ASI Nihar Ranjan Rout, arrived at the scene to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.