Bhubaneswar, May 1 -- Tension gripped several villages in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district after a massive herd of 86 elephants was spotted roaming near human settlements, leaving locals fearful and on edge. The unusual movement of such a large number of elephants together raised serious concerns about safety and crop loss in the region, sources said on Friday.

According to sources, the herd has been reported from areas under Rasagobindapur Forest Range, particularly in villages like Amarda, Podapada, and Baghasahi. The elephants entered Odisha from West Bengal about two days ago and have since been moving in smaller groups across the region.

Villagers say the jumbos emerge from nearby forests during the evening and head towards agricultura...