Hunters gun down forest guard in Similipal sanctuary of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj

Baripada: A forest guard was shot dead by a group of hunters in Similipal sanctuary of Mayurbhanj district, today evening.

The incident was reported from Baunsakhala beat house under Pithabata range in Similipal forest. The deceased guard has been identified as Bimal Kumar Jena, who was working in the Baunsakhala beat house.

According to the Department sources, acting on a tip-off that some hunters were moving in the forest near Baunsakhala beat house between the North Division end and South Division start of Similipal with firearms, a team of forest personnel carried out a raid. Taking advantage of the darkness around, the hunters opened fire, which was retaliated by the raid team.

However, the forest guard was killed in the exchange of fire.

“This is for the first time that a forest personnel was shot at by hunters in Similipal forest. The hunters are still hiding in the forest. Following the incident we immediately launched a search operation, which is underway at night,” a senior official of Baunsakhala beat house said.

“The fatal gun attack took place when the team of forest personnel raided to nab the hunters. We have issued a high alert in the area,” the official added.

The body of deceased Bimal was not recovered till the filing of this report.

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