Forest Guard shot dead by poachers in Odisha's Dhenkanal

In a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by those protecting India's wildlife, a forest guard has been shot and killed by poachers in the Dhenkanal district of Odisha. Prahlad Pradhan, aged 37, was struck by a bullet while on a routine patrol with a team comprising 13 forest personnel in the Hindol forest region.

The incident occurred when an unsuspecting patrol came under attack. Pradhan was hit in the abdomen and was swiftly taken to the District Headquarters Hospital in Angul, where he was pronounced dead by medical staff.

Immediate Response and Arrests

In the attack's immediate aftermath, the patrol team managed to apprehend four individuals believed to be part of the poaching group. Several others involved in the attack managed to escape the scene. Authorities have confiscated firearms found on the arrested poachers and are conducting thorough interrogations to uncover further insights into the poaching activities.

Challenges of Wildlife Conservation

This incident highlights the formidable challenges faced by Indian forest departments in safeguarding wildlife from illegal hunting operations. Efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining poachers. 

Ongoing Investigation

The forest department is conducting thorough interrogations of those captured to elicit more information about the escaped poachers. The investigation remains active as officials work to hold all responsible parties accountable.

“A poachers’ gang opened fire at our team during a regular raid in which Prahlad Pradhan sustained bullet injuries. He was immediately rushed to Hindol CHC, from where he was referred to Angul DHH after preliminary treatment. However, he succumbed to the bullet injuries. The incident occurred at around 3 am. We have detained four poachers in this connection,” informed Sumit Kumar Kar, DFO, Dhenkanal.