Bhubaneswar, May 15 -- Panic gripped several coastal villages in Balasore district after an elephant strayed into human habitation and damaged houses and crops over the past two weeks.

According to local residents, the elephant has been roaming in the Parikhi and Kasafal areas for over 15 days after reportedly separating from its herd and moving from nearby forest regions towards the coastal belt. The animal, typically found in forest and hilly terrain, has unusually entered sea-side villages, alarming locals.

Villagers alleged that the elephant has been entering habitations, mostly during night hours, causing extensive damage to mud houses and standing crops. Residents from two to three coastal panchayats said they have been spending s...