Baripada: In an unfortunate incident, a forester was shot dead by poachers inside Similipal National Park in Mayurbhanj district late last night.
This is the second such case of a forest official killed by poachers within a period of one month in the Similipal sanctuary, Asia’s second-largest biosphere reserve and home to Royal Bengal Tigers.
The deceased has been identified as Mati Hansda, aged about 45 years. Hansda was killed during an exchange of fire between the poachers and forest officials around 2 AM on Saturday.
“During patrolling, our forest officials intercepted poachers near Gamuchhajharan camp under Barahakumuda section in Similipal sanctuary. The poachers opened fire at our staff and shot forester Hansda,” said Sai Kiran D.N., Deputy Director of Similipal (North).
When the forester was rushed to Karanjia hospital, the doctor declared him dead, he said.
The forest officials seized a gun used by the poachers. After getting information from the forest officials, local police reached the spot. Both forest and police officials are now conducting joint operation to nab the poachers, Sai Kiran informed.
Mati Hansda, the resident of Bahalda, was serving as Forester in-charge of Barahakumuda section of the sanctuary.
According to officials, a team of six armed poachers reached at Badachachran beat house late on Friday night and fired a bullet in the chest of Hansda.
Family members of Shri Hansda have been demanding proper compensation for them as he was the only earning member of the family.
“We have registered a murder case and detained three suspects. All those who are involved in the crime will be punished,” said Mayurbhanj SP, B. Gangadhar.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF)-Wildlife S K Popli has been rushed to spot for investigation.
“We are taking adequate measures for the safety and security of forest officials. We have enhanced the compensation amount to Rs 10 lakh from Rs 4 lakh. If needed, the ex-gratia amount can be enhanced upto Rs 25 lakh),” said Forest and Environment Minister Pradip Amat.
Earlier, Bimal Kumar Jena, a 35 years old forest guard was shot dead by a group of poachers at Similipal Tiger Reserve on May 22 night. Following this incident, a poacher was also killed by forest department officials on May 31.
So, it is suspected that the poachers have killed the forester in revenge. The killing of two forest officials by poachers within a month raised concern among authorities.
The Department of Forest is now planning to further strengthen its patrolling system inside the National Park.