Sundargarh, Aug. 1 (UDN): A 40-year-old woman lost her life after being attacked by a wild elephant near Tentulidihi Chhak under the Koida Forest Range in Odisha’s Sundargarh district late on Friday night, triggering panic among residents of the area.

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The deceased has been identified as Sambari Munda, a resident of a nearby village. According to preliminary reports, she had stepped out of her house when a tusker, which was moving through the locality, suddenly charged at her.

The elephant reportedly grabbed the woman with its trunk and flung her to the ground, leaving her critically injured. Hearing her cries for help, local residents rushed to the spot and managed to drive the animal back into the nearby forest.

Sambari was immediately shifted to the Koida Community Health Centre (CHC) in an ambulance. However, doctors declared her dead on arrival.

The incident has sparked fear among villagers, who alleged that elephant movement through human settlements has become increasingly frequent. Residents have urged the Forest Department to take effective measures to prevent recurring human-elephant conflict in the region and ensure the safety of people living near forest areas.

Forest officials are expected to conduct an inquiry into the incident and initiate the process for providing ex gratia assistance to the bereaved family in accordance with government norms. The incident once again highlights the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in parts of northern Odisha, where elephant movement often overlaps with human habitation.