Baripada: Less than a month after killing of a forest guard in Similipal sanctuary in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, a forester was shot dead by a group of poachers at Similipal Tiger Reserve.

The deceased forester has been identified as Mathi Hansda, aged about 45 years.

An on-duty forest staff was shot dead by poachers near Gamuchhajharan under Kundumundi-Barahakumuda section in Similipal sanctuary, informed Deputy Director of Similipal (North) Sai Kiran DN today.

Mati Hansda, the resident of Bahalda and Forester in-charge of Barahakumuda was killed while carrying out a patrolling at around 2.30 am, the IFS officer said.

He said that the forest official was immediately taken to Karanjia SDH for treatment. However, he succumbed to injuries.

The forest department with help of Karanjia Police has launched operation to trace the poachers, he further informed.

According to reports, there was an exchange of fire broke out between a team of forest officials and six armed poachers at Badachachran beat house late on Friday night. The poachers shot Hansda in his chest following which he fell down.

The injured forester was rushed to Karanjia Sub-Divisional Hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.

Sources said that poachers fled from the spot following the incident. One gun has been seized from the spot.

The killing of two forest officials by poachers within a month raised concern among authorities.

On May 22 night, a 35-year-old forest guard was shot dead by a group of poachers at Similipal Tiger Reserve.

The forest guard Bimal Kumar Jena was on patrolling duty in the bordering areas of Pithabata south range and Nawna north range where he was targeted by the poachers. He was shot in the chest following which he died on the spot.