DHENKANAL, ODISHA — In a heartbreaking incident highlighting the escalating human-wildlife conflict in the region, three women were trampled to death and three others critically injured by a wild tusker on Tuesday afternoon, February 10, 2026.
The group of six women, all residents of Lochapalli village under the Sadar police limits, had ventured into the Patpuri Reserve Forest around 10:00 AM to collect firewood. Forest officials report that a lone tusker suddenly emerged from the dense foliage and charged the group without provocation.
1. The Victims of the Tragedy
The encounter resulted in immediate fatalities on the spot, while the survivors were rescued by a forest patrolling team.
| Status | Names of Victims | Village |
| Deceased | Indumati Pradhan (60), Tuni Pradhan/Behera (50), Kuntala Pradhan (40) | Lochapalli |
| Critically Injured | Rashmita Pradhan, Rama Dehuri, Jhilli Pradhan | Lochapalli |
The injured women were rushed to the Dhenkanal District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). While their conditions were initially described as critical, hospital updates suggest they are currently receiving intensive care.
2. Official Response and Investigation
Dhenkanal Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sumit Kar and Sadar Range personnel reached the site shortly after the incident to launch an inquiry.
- Ex-Gratia: The DFO confirmed that ex-gratia compensation (recently hiked to ₹10 lakh for fatalities in Odisha) will be provided to the next of kin following the completion of legal formalities.
- Police Action: Local police are registering a case of unnatural death.
- Political Condolence: Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik expressed deep sorrow over the “irreparable loss,” urging the government to strengthen safety measures and early warning systems.
3. The Crisis: Odisha’s Human-Elephant Conflict
Despite having a smaller elephant population (approx. 912) compared to states like Karnataka, Odisha consistently reports the highest mortality rates in India due to human-elephant encounters.
Alarming Statistics (2024–2025):
- Human Fatalities: 153 deaths (highest in the last decade).
- Elephant Deaths: 94-106 deaths, largely due to electrocution and habitat loss.
- Seasonal Surge: Nearly 70% of attacks occur between post-monsoon and winter months, often linked to the harvesting season and forest foraging.
- Root Causes: Rapid habitat loss, mining operations, and stone-crushing units have disrupted traditional elephant corridors, forcing herds into human settlements.