Chakulia: Elephant Rampage Causes Damage to Houses and Crops

Wild Elephant Wreaks Havoc in Sardiha Panchayat Village

A wild elephant caused destruction in a village, damaging homes and crops. Villagers managed to drive the elephant back to the forest using firecrackers.

Key Points:

• Elephant destroyed three houses and a roadside hotel.
• Several sacks of rice and paddy were ruined by the animal.
• Villagers used firecrackers to drive the elephant away.

SERAIKELA – A wild elephant wreaked havoc in Dakshinshol village of Sardiha Panchayat under Chakulia block last night. The animal damaged three houses, consumed and destroyed stored crops, and caused panic among the residents.

The elephant targeted the homes of Baddhinath Mandi, Jagat Mandi, and Khagendra Mandi, demolishing their structures. Jagat Mandi’s house suffered severe loss as the elephant consumed several sacks of rice and paddy before trampling the remainder. The families managed to escape unharmed.

Elephant Also Targets Roadside Hotel

The rampage extended to a roadside hotel owned by Matal Patra, where the elephant caused significant damage. Villagers reported that this elephant has been troubling the area for days, residing in the forest during daylight and entering the villages at night.

Community Efforts to Drive Away the Elephant

Amidst the chaos, villagers gathered late at night and used firecrackers to drive the elephant back to the forest. Residents expressed concerns about their safety and the frequent disturbances caused by the animal. One villager stated, “This elephant has become a nightmare for us, invading our homes and destroying livelihoods.”

The affected families are seeking assistance to rebuild their homes and recover from the losses. Authorities have been alerted about the recurring issue, and efforts are expected to mitigate the danger posed by this wild elephant.