Bargarh: The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) today suspended two forest officials in connection with the death of a leopard whose decomposed carcass in a trench near Khajuria village under Bhatli police limits in the district on Sunday.
The forest officials placed under suspension include Kamagaon Forester Parshuram Behera and Hajuripara Forest Guard Prabhasini Mahananda. The action has been taken against the two officials for dereliction of duty, sources said.
Yesterday, The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) sought a detailed report from the state Forest and Environment Department on the circumstances and the cause of death of the tiger and actions taken by it so far.
The NTCA has also asked the forest department to strictly adhere to the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the safety and protection of tigers.
The incident of the tiger death came to light on October 28 when Forest officials of Hirakud Wildlife Division came across decomposed remnants of a wild animal near Khajuria village in the district. Locals claimed it was killed by poachers.
While initially, reports suggested that the carcass was that of a Royal Bengal Tigress, the Forest and Environment Minister, Bijayshree Routroy, later clarified it was of a leopard.
Also Read:Youth Stoned To Death In Odisha’s Berhampur
Ms Kalinga