ANGUL: An elephant protection squad member died after an injured tusker attacked him in Gahamakhunti village under Dhenkanal Sadar range on Friday night. The deceased has been identified as Biswaranajn Panigrahi, 44, a resident of the village. The tusker attacked Panigrahi when he, along with other forest staff, had gone to treat the injured animal.
Forest officials said a tusker with a deep wound on his back leg had been spotted in Gahamakhunti around three days ago. Eventually, the forest staff decided to treat him.
ACF Rashmi Ranjan Swain, along with a team of veterinary doctors and foresters, on Friday afternoon administered antibiotics and other medicines on the animal through darting.
While administering the medicine for the second time, the tusker turned violent and chased the team. Panigrahi fell down and was attacked by the tusker. Though not trampled, he sustained internal injuries and developed breathing problems. Soon he was rushed to Dhenkanal hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was referred to SCB Medical College. Panigrahi succumbed to his injuries in the wee hours on Saturday.
The ACF said the elephant is being tracked.
Forest officials said a tusker with a deep wound on his back leg had been spotted in Gahamakhunti around three days ago. Eventually, the forest staff decided to treat him.
ACF Rashmi Ranjan Swain, along with a team of veterinary doctors and foresters, on Friday afternoon administered antibiotics and other medicines on the animal through darting.
While administering the medicine for the second time, the tusker turned violent and chased the team. Panigrahi fell down and was attacked by the tusker. Though not trampled, he sustained internal injuries and developed breathing problems. Soon he was rushed to Dhenkanal hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was referred to SCB Medical College. Panigrahi succumbed to his injuries in the wee hours on Saturday.
The ACF said the elephant is being tracked.