Jharsuguda/Kolabira: As wild elephants increasingly invade human communities in Odisha, causing destruction to crops, property, and even posing risks to lives, one elephant named Raju has taken on the unexpected role of safeguarding local villages near the Jalibahal forest in Jharsuguda district.

Residents have observed that Raju successfully intercepts wild elephant herds that approach the villages, leading them back to the safety of the forest, thereby minimizing damage to homes and farmland. His gentle demeanor has won the hearts of the local population, who affectionately refer to him as Raju.

Currently, a herd of six wild elephants resides in the Jalibahal forest within the Kolabira range. These elephants often venture into nearby villages after dusk, raiding paddy fields and raising alarms about the safety and livelihoods of the residents. Reports indicate that Raju has been instrumental in redirecting these herds away from populated areas.

Having migrated from Kuchinda forest to Kolabira, Raju returned to the Jalibahal forest on Monday night. He has also been sighted close to Pokhrasalhe and various villages in the Niktimal panchayat. Locals shared that Raju was once under the care of a mahout but began to roam freely after being abandoned.

Since then, he has taken on the unusual task of helping to keep wild elephant herds at bay. Encounters between humans and elephants continue to be a significant concern in this region. Occasionally, frightened residents try to scare the elephants away with burning torches, but this can provoke aggressive behavior, leading to hazardous situations.

According to Sudam Jagadala, the forest range officer for Kolabira, Raju is known for his milder temperament compared to other elephants and has not posed a threat to anyone. He also noted that the Forest Department is closely observing the movements of the wild herd.