Kendujhar, Oct 14 (UDN): A 14-year-old Class X student was killed in an elephant attack in the Silipunji forest of Odisha’s Kendujhar district on Wednesday morning, forest department officials said.
The deceased was identified as Akash Mahanta, a resident of Mandama village under Baria police station limits. He was studying at Gundunia High School in Jhumpura block.
According to reports, a herd of around 25 elephants has been staying in the Silipunji forest under the Ukhunda section of the Champua Forest Range.
Akash reportedly went to the forest on Wednesday morning to see the elephants. During his visit, he encountered one of the animals, which allegedly struck him with its trunk and threw him to the ground, leaving him critically injured.
After being alerted, forest department officials rushed to the spot and rescued the boy. He was subsequently taken to Bhanda Community Health Centre, where doctors declared him dead.
Further details regarding the incident were awaited. The incident highlights the risks associated with approaching wild elephants, particularly in areas where herds are known to be present.
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