Forester Suspended After Elephant Electrocution

Bolangir: An eight‑year‑old tusker tragically died on April 30 after coming into contact with a live electric wire in a cashew orchard at Chanutmala village.

A post‑mortem confirmed electrocution as the cause of death.

Following the incident, Gudighat Section Forester Jayakrushna Bhoi was suspended for negligence and directed to report daily at the range office.

However, questions have been raised over the clean chit given to acting Range Officer Padmanabh Kumbhar, who was not issued a show‑cause notice.

Twenty‑two days later, the Forest Department filed a chargesheet against Muribahal Electricity Department Junior Engineer Mohammad Juned, lineman Ajit Kumar Taria, and orchard owner Sanjib Putel.

The court issued non‑bailable arrest warrants against them, but the accused remain absconding.

Local residents expressed dissatisfaction, alleging that authorities rushed the chargesheet without arresting the accused.

They fear procedural lapses may allow the accused to secure bail easily, undermining justice for the elephant’s death.

The incident has reignited concerns about accountability and systemic failures in wildlife protection across Odisha.