Panic grips several villages in Angul district as a herd of 45 wild elephants continues to wreak havoc for more than 15 days. The elephants, moving across the Angul forest range, have been destroying crops and damaging houses, leaving villagers in constant fear.

Farmers report that the herd rests near the villages during the day and begins its rampage after dusk — damaging fields, homes, and property. The destruction has been so severe that locals say the elephant menace has become worse than any natural disaster.

Farmers across more than five panchayats in the forest region have reportedly suffered massive losses, with many claiming that the compensation provided by the Forest Department is meagre.

As night falls, villagers can be seen guarding the roadsides with torches, keeping a wat

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