Bhubaneswar, March 24 -- Panic gripped the residents of Nilagiri block in Balasore district after two tuskers from neighbouring Jharkhand created havoc in the region. Descending from Swarnachuda Hill last night, the adult elephants entered Gangapura village and nearby areas on Tuesday, causing widespread damage.

The elephants destroyed paddy crops and uprooted banana trees in several households, leaving villagers distressed. Visuals from Dakshina Narasinghpur show the animals roaming freely through village streets, intensifying fear among locals.

While many residents stayed indoors in fear, some other individuals were seen dangerously chasing and surrounding the elephants. Forest officials have warned that such actions could provoke the...