Bhubaneswar, March 23 -- Panic gripped forest areas of G.Udayagiri in Kandhamal district of Odisha following the movement of a tusker, with villagers reporting that the animal is frequently approaching habitation areas after dusk.

As per reports, when evening sets in, residents in the affected areas are staying awake through the night amid fears of the elephant entering villages. Locals, along with forest department personnel, are being compelled to remain on alert to drive the animal away.

People of Pidikamaha and Malansuga villages in the G.Udayagiri forest region have been spending nights in fear due to the repeated movement of the tusker in nearby areas.

On Monday night, panic spread after the tusker reportedly entered a village. U...