Balasore, Dec. 19 -- Panic gripped parts of Odisha's Balasore district after a wild elephant strayed into villages, forcing officials to declare school holidays and step up rescue efforts today. The pachyderm was spotted wandering in Natapada and Bateswar villages under Khaira block, damaging trees and chasing local residents. Locals raised an alarm and immediately informed the Kupari Forest Section Office.

On getting information, personnel from the Kupari and Oupada forest ranges rushed to the spot and made sustained efforts to herd the elephant away. However, residents of the affected areas continue to remain fearful as the animal is still reported to be in the vicinity. Eyewitnesses said the animal, in search of food, had caused wide...