Fear spread among residents of Budhibili village under Kamakshyanagar block in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district after a lone elephant entered the human settlement late Sunday night. The incident occurred under the Jiral Forest Section, where elephant movement has been reported frequently in recent days.
According to reports, the elephant entered the village around midnight and consumed paddy stored inside a house, raising concerns over property damage and safety. Villagers in nearby areas such as Guneibil and Rankia have also been witnessing similar elephant movements, leading to anxiety across the region.
After receiving information, forest officials rushed to the spot and successfully drove the elephant away from the village. The Forest Department confirmed that the elephant later crossed the Brahmani River and headed towards the Joranda side. Authorities are continuing to monitor the animal’s movement to prevent further entry into residential areas.
