Two Forest personnel suspended, one arrested in Dhenkanal elephant deaths

Dhenkanal: Initiating action in connection with the death of two elephants in the Kamakhyanagar west forest range in Dhenkanal district, the Forest Department has suspended its two personnel and arrested one person.

Two elephants were found dead from electrocution on November 14in the Kamakhyanagar west forest range. One of the them was an adult female while the other one was a calf.

The two forest personnel have been suspended on charges of dereliction of duty.

The suspended officials have been identified as Subhendu Bhuyan, Forester of the Anlabereni section, and Manasmita Baral, Forest Guard of the Kadalipal beat.

Meanwhile, the Forest Department has arrested one person, identified as Kumar Naik of Godaribili village, in connection with the elephant deaths.

A departmental inquiry is underway to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the elephant deaths and fix responsibility for the incident.

Further investigation is also being carried out to determine the role of those involved and establish accountability.