Forester and Guard Suspended, Five Arrested for Elephant Electrocution in Odisha

Forester and Guard Suspended, Five Arrested for Elephant Electrocution in Odisha

VoM News Desk | September 13, 2023 | 06:59 AM IST | Breaking News, Odisha | Follow on Google News

Forester and Guard Suspended, Five Arrested for Elephant Electrocution in Odisha. Image/Express

The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Satkosia Forest Division, Saroj Panda, has suspended Forester Udaynath Pradhan and Guard Sandhyarani Pradhan of the Pampasar range for their alleged negligence, which resulted in the electrocution deaths of two elephants.

In addition to the suspension, forest officials have apprehended five individuals from Tarabha village for illegally tapping into an 11KV transmission line. Two individuals were arrested on September 7, and three more were apprehended on September 9. While those arrested earlier have been granted bail, the second group remains in custody.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Anil Bhoi, Budhia Bhoi, Suka Pradhan, Abhina Dehury, and Nilamani Bhoi. Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Subhendu Behera confirmed that a case has been filed against a total of 11 individuals, with five apprehended and six currently at large. Efforts are underway to trace the remaining suspects from Tarabha village.

Behera further stated that intensive joint patrols and inspections have been initiated in collaboration with the electric department to combat illegal power tapping within the sanctuary area. The post-mortem examination confirmed electrocution as the cause of death for the two elephants.

On September 5, Satkosia forest authorities discovered the carcasses of two elephants, a 15-year-old tusker and a five-year-old female elephant, in the Tainisi jungle near Tarabha village, Pampasar range.

VoM News Desk

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