Bhawanipatna: In a tragic incident, a forest ranger was trampled to death by a wild tusker when he was trying to drive away an elephant herd in Kalahandi district today.
The deceased has been identified as Prasant Pal, Ranger of Narla Forest Range under Kalahandi’s North Forest Division.
On getting the information regarding the movement of the jumbos, the ranger along with his team reached the village to drive the wild animals back into the forest. When their operation was underway, a tusker came out of its hiding suddenly and trampled Pal, said a forest official.
Shri Pal was immediately rushed to Narla Community Health Centre in a critical condition. However, he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
Proper compensation will be paid to the family members of the deceased Ranger, the official said.
The Narla area has been gripped with elephant menace for several days. Following the tragic incident, a pall of gloom descended among the villagers and the forest officials.
