Bhubaneswar, (Orissa Today), Nov 19: The Forest Department has suspended three field officials in connection with the tragic electrocution of three elephants, including a calf, in Odisha’s Sambalpur district. The department has also recommended further action against two senior officials.
The incident occurred in the Naktideul range of the Rairakhol forest division, where the elephants came into contact with an electric trap laid by poachers to catch wild boars. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi expressed concern over the deaths, prompting the department to intensify its investigation.
As of Tuesday, three out of four accused in the case have been arrested, with police efforts ongoing to capture the fourth. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) for Wildlife, Susanta Nanda, blamed negligence and lack of vigilance by forest staff for the incident, warning of stringent actions against those responsible.
A dedicated team, including officials from the Joint Task Force, Deputy Conservator of Forest, and Chief Conservator of Forest, has been assigned to investigate the matter further.
Three field officials suspended over electrocution deaths of elephants in Sambalpur
