Bhubaneswar, Dec. 26 -- A herd of 25 elephants moved into parts of Keonjhar district on Thursday night, triggering panic among villagers after the animals entered human habitations and caused damage to standing crops. The movement was reported from the Champua range, where the herd entered the Jhaliabeda forest before straying into nearby villages.

According to information, the herd crossed the Baitarani river from Mayurbhanj district and proceeded through the Maliposi area before entering Jhaliabeda village under the Champua range. Forest officials said the group consists of 25 elephants, including six tuskers, 11 female elephants and eight calves.

The movement of such a large herd is beingclosely monitored by the Forest Department, gi...