An 18-year-old man was seriously injured after a wild boar attacked him while he was travelling to his paddy fields in Atharabatia village under the Rajnagar forest range of Kendrapada district on Friday morning, prompting his transfer to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
The victim, identified as Nihar Sethi, was initially taken to the sub-divisional hospital at Pattamundai. He was later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital after sustaining deep injuries in the attack, according to the report. Villagers said the animal used its tusks and head to injure him before trampling him with its hooves.
The attack took place near Bhitarkanika National Park, where residents say wild boars frequently enter agricultural areas from adjoining mangrove forests. The animals have allegedly damaged paddy and vegetable crops while searching for roots, tubers and grubs.
Rajnagar forest range officer Santanu Kumar Dalei said the forest department would conduct an inquiry before providing compensation to the injured man. “After proper investigation, the forest department will provide compensation to the injured person,” he said.
Residents said the incident has renewed concerns about the risks faced by farmers working close to forested areas. They alleged that crop losses and animal incursions have continued despite appeals for preventive action from the forest department.
“Despite repeated crop losses and attacks, villagers rarely retaliate because killing or attacking wild animals is an offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972,” resident Bhagabat Behera said. The legal restriction places responsibility on the forest authorities to investigate incidents and address risks around settlements adjoining wildlife habitats.
Another resident, Sarata Jena, said wild boars uproot fields while looking for food, causing extensive damage to crops and property. Environmentalist Hemant Rout attributed the movement of the animals into villages to dwindling forest cover and said they are also attracted by paddy, vegetables and dry fish.
The forest department’s inquiry will determine the circumstances of the attack and form the basis for the compensation process. Residents are awaiting the department’s response on measures to reduce further incursions into fields and settlements near the Rajnagar forest range.
