Khordha: Scenes of chaos erupted following the death of a young man in elephant attack in Jankia area of Odisha's Khordha district on Thursday. The incident took place late in the night around 10.30 pm on the Haj–Nidhipur road in Siko outpost area. The deceased was identified as Sushant Kumar Nayak (35) of Nidhipur village. 

As per reports, Sushant was returning home on his bicycle from Haj village after finishing work. When he reached the outskirts of Kalarajhar village, he suddenly came face to face with a wild elephant standing near the road. With little time or space to react, the unexpected encounter turned fatal within moments. Startled and aggressive, the elephant charged at him, knocking him down before trampling him to death. His bicycle was also crushed in the attack.

Villagers Demand ₹50 Lakh Compensation

When the news spread the following morning, villagers gathered in rage and alleged that elephants staying in the Nargoda forest frequently enter nearby settlements, damaging crops and posing a constant threat to lives and property. They staged a road blockade and demanded ₹50 lakh compensation for the bereaved family as Sushant was the sole earning member of his family.

Residents blocked the Nayagarh–Puri–Nua Jagannath Road at Haj Chhak. Protesters burned tyres on the road, bringing traffic to a complete standstill. Even two-wheeler riders attempting to take alternate routes were reportedly stopped by the agitators, causing severe inconvenience to commuters.

Police and forest department officials reached the spot and tried to pacify the protesters but the situation was tense till reports last came in.

Also read: Tragic! Woman, minor daughter die in elephant attack in Odisha's Angul