KalingaTV News Network
Jajpur: In yet another incident of man-animal conflict in the state, an elderly man was killed and a youth turned critical after a wild bear mauled them in Bhalukudi slum near Pataranga village under Korai police limits in the district on Sunday.
The deceased has been identified as Shyam Hesa, a resident of Bhalukudi slum. The injured is Sukura Munda of the same area.
The victim duo visited Hudisahi cashew garden located adjacent to Gohiragadia forest area under Korai police limits at around 5.30 AM in the morning to attend nature’s call when the mishap took place. The wild bear which had sneaked into the garden from the nearby forest pounced on Shyam while he was defecating and started attacking him. Sukura, who was present nearby at the time of the incident tried to save the victim and sustained grievous injury in the attack.
Forest officials rushed to the spot getting information on the mishap and sent the injured to Jajpur Road CHC where doctors declared Shyam brought dead. Sukura was referred to SCB Medical in Cuttack due to deteriorating condition.
“The family members of the man who died in bear attack are entitled to get an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh as per the existing government provision. Similarly, all medical expenses of the injured would be borne from the government fund,” informed Debendra Pattnayak, a forest official.
“While this is the first case of bear attack in the area, the residents of the Bhalukudi slum had been cautioned to remain vigilant on the possible animal incursion in advance,” he maintained.
Ms Kalinga