Forest guard shot dead in Odisha’s Similipal: Wildlife PCCF assures ‘maximum possible ex-gratia’ to the deceased’s next of kin

Suranjan Mishra Published On : May 25, 2023 at 5:54 PM

Baripada: PCCF (Wildlife) Sushil Kumar Popli today met the bereaved family of forest guard Bimal Kumar Jena, who was previously shot dead in Similipal sanctuary of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district on May 22. The deceased’s next of kin was assured the ‘maximum possible ex-gratia’, PCCF Popli said.

However, the family has appealed for an ex-gratia to the tune of Rs 1 crore, a source informed.

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During the informal meeting at the residence of Bimal in Similipal, the forest guard’s family narrated the problems that are being faced by them. After Bimal’s sad demise, his wife Lipina Swain is the sole earning member in the family, who is working as a forest guard in Pithabata range. Bimal is survived by a six-year-old daughter, including his elderly father. Lipina has no one in her paternal family.

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Hence, Lipina appealed to the Forest Department higher-up to get her posted at the Office of the Sanctuary in Bhanjapur of Baripada instead of earlier placement on forest duty. Meanwhile, the Field Director of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) Prakash Chand Gogineni has carried out a transfer order to this effect.

Lipina also appealed to PCCF Popli to make necessary arrangements for the education of her daughter.

The PCCF asserted that along with an appropriate amount of ex-gratia from the Similipal Foundation and the State government, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has been approached for necessary steps in this regard. “No words can console the bereaved family. This was an unfortunate incident that we never expected. We are trying our best to provide the maximum possible financial relief and support to the family. Moreover, we have intensified the ongoing combing operation to nab the other accused poachers soon. An awareness campaign against poaching will also be taken up,” Popli stated.