Bear Attack Sparks Panic in Sunabeda Forest Belt; Youth Critically Injured: Harendra Majhi Mauled While Grazing Cattle; Family Alleges Delay in Ambulance Service

Nuapada: Panic has gripped the Sunabeda forest belt in Nuapada district following a bear attack that left a young man critically injured while he was grazing cattle. The incident has triggered fresh concern among residents of Gadabhata Pada and neighbouring villages over the growing movement of wild animals in the area. The injured youth has been identified as Harendra Majhi, a resident of Gadabhata Pada. According to local sources, Harendra was grazing cattle when a bear suddenly attacked him in the forest area. He sustained serious injuries to his head and around the eyes in the incident. Hearing the commotion, local residents rushed to the spot and rescued the injured youth. He was subsequently taken to the Sunabeda Health Centre, where he received preliminary treatment. Considering the seriousness of his injuries, doctors referred him to the Nuapada District Headquarters Hospital for further medical care. However, the victim’s family alleged that an ambulance was not made available promptly for shifting Harendra to the district headquarters hospital. The alleged delay caused considerable anxiety among his family members as they waited for timely transportation and advanced medical treatment. The incident has meanwhile sparked fear among residents of Gadabhata Pada and nearby villages. Locals claimed that sightings and movement of bears in the surrounding forest areas have become a matter of concern, particularly for villagers who enter the forest for cattle grazing and other livelihood-related activities. Residents have urged the Forest Department to intensify monitoring of wildlife movement in the region and take appropriate preventive measures. They have also sought regular awareness programmes and safety advisories so that villagers can exercise greater caution while venturing into forest areas. Locals further demanded immediate and proper medical assistance for Harendra Majhi and urged the authorities to strengthen coordination between healthcare and emergency services to ensure timely transportation of wildlife-attack victims. The incident has once again highlighted the need for effective coordination between local communities, health authorities and the Forest Department to ensure the safety of people living close to forested areas while protecting wildlife as well.