Kendrapada: An 18-year-old youth was injured after a wild boar attacked him in Atharabatia village under Rajnagar forest range near Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district on Friday morning. Nihar Sethi was going to his paddy fields when the animal charged at him.Villagers said the boar used its sharp tusks and powerful head to inflict deep puncture wounds before trampling him with its hooves. Sethi was first taken to the sub-divisional hospital at Pattamundai for treatment and later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack as his condition was serious.Rajnagar forest range officer Santanu Kumar Dalei said the forest department would conduct an inquiry before extending compensation to the victim. “After proper investigation, the forest department will provide compensation to the injured person,” he said.Residents of Atharabatia alleged that wild boars stray into nearby paddy and vegetable fields from adjoining mangrove forests, damaging crops and posing a threat to farmers. “Despite repeated crop losses and attacks, villagers rarely retaliate because killing or attacking wild animals is an offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972,” resident Bhagabat Behera said.Another villager, Sarata Jena, said the animals uproot fields while searching for roots, tubers and grubs, causing extensive damage. Jena alleged that appeals to the forest department for preventive measures had yielded little response. “Dwindling forest cover is forcing wild boars to venture into villages in search of food. Attracted by paddy, vegetables and even dry fish, the animals frequently raid fields, damage fences and come into conflict with villagers,” said environmentalist Hemant Rout.