Keonjhar: A Class X student’s wish to see a herd of elephants in Keonjhar forests turned fatal after an elephant lifted him with its trunk and threw him on ground on Wednesday.According to forest officials, Akash Mohanta (15) of Manima village in Champua block went to Silipunji forest under Ukhunda section of Champua range after learning that a herd of 25 elephants was in the area. He allegedly came face to face with an elephant, which lifted him with its trunk and threw him on the ground.The forest staff rescued him and took him to Bhanda Community Health Centre in critical condition, but doctors declared him dead.Champua range officer S R Nayak said despite repeated advice and awareness drives, people were going near the elephant herd to see them or take photos. Many times, people fall prey to the wild animals, Nayak added.Residents have been advised to stay away from forests and avoid approaching elephants if a herd is spotted nearby.This is the second such incident in the Keonjhar forest division in the past two days.Wildlife lovers have urged the forest department to take strict action against those who go near the elephants.Many times, people tease elephants in different ways, irritating them and leading to defensive attacks on humans.