Another forest official shot dead by poachers in Similipal
Poachers allegedly shot dead a forester in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, nearly a month after a forest guard was killed in the sanctuary.
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Baripada: Poachers allegedly shot dead a forester in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, nearly a month after a forest guard was killed in the sanctuary.
Mati Hansda, a 45-year-old forester, has been identified as the deceased. He worked as a forester in the Barahakumuda range.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred while a forest department team was patrolling within the Similipal Sanctuary in Gamuchajharan. On late Friday night, an exchange of fire erupted between team members and a group of poachers during the operation.
The poachers were apprehended by forest personnel. When the poachers saw the forest officials, they opened fire. Forester Mati Hansda, who was shot in the chest, was rushed to the hospital immediately after the attack. However, he died as a result of the injury.
According to Deputy Director (Similipal North Division) Sai Kiran, the incident occurred when forest staff intercepted some poachers and an exchange of fire ensued.
An investigation was launched after a case was filed concerning the incident.
Two forest department officials have been killed in the last two months, it should be noted. Last month, poachers shot and killed a 35-year-old forest guard in the Similipal forest. Officials from the forest department also killed a poacher.
