Rapid response team resumes tracking of rogue tusker that killed 2

Rourkela: A rapid response team (RRT) of Rourkela forest division, assisted by a veterinary doctor from Deogarh and officials of Panposh forest range, resumed tracking a rogue tusker on Monday to tranquilize it.The elephant has created panic in the region after trampling two women to death last week under Panposh range. Officials said the tusker has killed seven people in Lathikata block over the past two-and-a-half-months.On Thursday, Anandmani Bhumij (75) of Rajabasa was trampled to death, followed by Jasinta Gudia (55) of Karlakhaman village on Friday morning under Dalkudar section. Jasinta, a daily wager, was on her way to work when the tusker suddenly appeared and attacked her.The second killing triggered a 10-hour protest by villagers, who blocked the removal of Jasinta’s body and demanded immediate tranquilization and relocation of the elephant, along with safety measures and lighting in vulnerable areas. The protest ended after senior forest officials assured action and called in the RRT. The body was later sent for post-mortem and handed over to the family.Since Saturday, the RRT has been monitoring the tusker’s movement. On Sunday, it was spotted near Raniberna village on the Panposh-Banki forest range border. On Monday, the team tracked it to Nuagaon under Panposh range and is assessing its health before tranquilization.“We have been tracking the tusker for four days and are continuing today. A decision on tranquilization will be taken after evaluating its health and obtaining necessary permission,” said Suchismita Das, Range Officer, Panposh forest range.