Bhubaneswar, Aug. 6 -- The movement of a herd of 15 wild elephants has left residents on edge in Odisha's Dhenkanal district, forcing the forest department to mount a round-the-clock vigil to prevent any human-elephant conflict.

According to reports, the herd of 15 elephants, including five tuskers, seven female elephants and three calves, entered the Bhuban forest area under Kamakhyanagar subdivision after crossing the Brahmani River. The animals were spotted near the famous Hengulai Temple late on Wednesday night, creating panic among people living in nearby villages.

Following the sighting, forest personnel rushed to the area and attempted to drive the herd deeper into the forest. However, continuous rain and the swollen Brahmani Riv...