Tusker succumbs to injuries after being struck by train engine

Dr.Badal Tah,,Odishabarta

Rayagada, September 10: A tusker met a tragic death after being hit by a train engine. This severe accident occurred on the Bissamcuttack–Therubali railway track near Burundabadi village in Bissamcuttack block of Rayagada district.According to available reports, late at night, a speeding light engine directly rammed into the tusker near railway pole marker 312/5–7. The impact was so intense that the elephant was thrown away from the tracks, dyeing on the spot. The elephant’s carcass was found lying about 3 meters away from the railway track.

Upon receiving the information, personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Forest Department promptly arrived at the scene and initiated an investigation. However, ongoing heavy rainfall in the area has reportedly delayed the recovery and clearance operations.

Notably, a herd of four elephants from Kalahandi district had been roaming around the Bhatpur and Burundabadi areas of Bissamcuttack block for the past few months. Resentment has brewed among local residents, who allege that the tragic mishap occurred due to a lack of coordination between the Railway and Forest departments.