Elephant death in Odisha’s Kuldiha sanctuary: Forester, forest guard suspended

Nilagiri: The Similipal Field Director Office suspended two officials in connection with the death of an elephant in a forest under the Hatikholia section of the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary within the Nilagiri forest range in Odisha’s Balasore district.

Forester Padmavati Behera and Forest Guard Pramila Sena of Hatikholia Beat were placed under suspension for alleged dereliction and negligence of duty that led to the death of the elephant in the sanctuary a few days ago.

The authorities appointed Jayant Kumar Pradhan as Forester of Hatikholia section, Manohar Singh as Forest Guard of Hatikholia Beat and Ayushman Panda as Forest Guard of Mangalpur Beat.

The stringent action was taken against erring forest officials after the carcass of an elephant was found under the Niliagiri forest range.