Odisha elephant death: Forest Minister warns of strict action against all guilty

Reacting to the recent elephant death incident in Kandhamal district, Odisha’s Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia on Monday informed that the department is acting with full urgency. He stated that all those found guilty in the case will be brought to justice, and no one involved will be spared.

Also Read: Elephant cut into 32 pieces in Odisha: Suspended deputy ranger faces cover-up charges

According to the Forest Minister, investigation teams have been formed in line with legal procedures, and strict action will be taken based on the findings. The JCB machine allegedly used in the burial related to the incident has been seized, and ten people have already been arrested in connection with the case.

Assistant Conservators of Forests (ACFs) are conducting the investigation as per rules and regulations. The Minister further warned that any official who knowingly allowed or participated in such acts, as well as anti-social elements within the department, will face stern departmental and legal action.

Worth mentioning, earlier yesterday, a major disclosure emerged in the Belghar elephant death case in Kandhamal district, with senior forest officials confirming that the animal was brutally cut into 32 pieces to evade departmental action.

The disturbing revelation was made by the Berhampur RCCF (Regional Chief Conservator of Forests) during a press conference.

According to the RCCF, the incident was earlier orchestrated by a suspended deputy ranger, identified as Binaya Bisi, who allegedly planned the dismemberment after the elephant died due to electrocution.

Fearing disciplinary proceedings, the official reportedly ordered the elephant’s body to be cut into multiple parts and buried at different locations to conceal evidence.

“After a detailed discussion (verification), our JTF and other senior officials ascertained that the squad members, who had dismembered the elephant carcass and later shifted the body parts, had been misguided. Deputy Ranger had told them that the DFO concerned was duly informed,” Berhampur RCCF, Vishwanath Neelannavar, said in the presser.

Reported By: Subham Rohila