Ranapur: Even as cases of human-elephant conflict continue to intensify,  a 41-year-old woman was killed in jumbo attack in Ranapur forest range in Odisha's Nayagarh district on Friday night. The woman, identified as Mamata Behera, wife of one Iswar Behera and a resident of Hariharpur village, was killed after being attacked by a wild elephant near the Hanuman temple in Mayurjhalia.

As per reports, a herd of 16 elephants, a lone tusker separated from its herd and another pair of wild elephants have been creating havoc in the area. On Friday evening, Mamata was standing near the temple when the elephant suddenly appeared, lifted her with its trunk, carried her some distance and flung her to the ground. On hearing the cries of onlookers, the elephant released her and retreated into the forest. She was rushed to the Chandpur Community Health Centre by her family members and villagers. Given the severity of her injuries, doctors referred her to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. However, she succumbed to her injuries around midnight.

Forest Department steps up vigil

Ranpur Forest Range Officer Sidhu Charan Singh said the lone wild elephant responsible for the attack had since moved towards the Dhani forest. Gajasathis (community elephant trackers) are keeping a close watch on the animal's movements.