Balangir: Panic has gripped the Kantabanji region in the district following the tragic death of a 35-year-old labourer in a wild bear attack.
Police recovered the body of the deceased, identified as Surendra Majhi, from the road connecting Kantabanji to Birna village.
Majhi, a resident of nearby Dumerchua village, worked as a daily wage labourer. As the sole breadwinner for his family, he is survived by his wife, two young children, and an elderly father.
Family members and villagers have urged the state government to provide immediate financial assistance and cover the maintenance and education costs of the orphaned children.
For the past few days, sightings of wild bears wandering near residential areas in Kantabanji and Muribahal blocks have sparked concerns. Although the forest department had previously issued warnings, Majhi’s death has heightened fears among residents, especially given the density of families and institutions located near the spot of the incident.
MLA representative Purandara Bag urged forest officials to monitor bear movements continuously and take immediate protective measures to ensure public safety in the region.