The Forest Department on Friday suspended two of its staffs for negligence in duty after a carcass of a female wild elephant was found buried near Putulia village in the Sonakhan section area under the Rajgangpur Forest Range in Sundagarh district.
The two suspended officials were identified as Forester Harish Jena and Forest Guard Sabita Kishan. The Rajgangpur Range Officer has been served a show-cause notice in connection with the incident, informed Rourkela Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sanjay Kumar Swain.
“We received the information of the elephant being killed and buried yesterday. After preliminary investigations, one person was arrested in connection with the incident. Meanwhile, three teams have been formed to nab the other persons involved in the act,” added Swain.
Reports said that some miscreants set the carcass of the elephant on fire. Kerosene-filled cans, logs and axes were also found from the spot. Forest officials were yet to reach the spot.
It was alleged that the suspended officials Jena and Kishan along with some villagers had set the big animal on fire to destroy evidences.
“However, we have not received any information regarding the elephant carcass set on fire. I will visit the spot; and after a detailed investigation, stringent action will be taken against the persons involved in the incident,” said the DFO.
Reports said that a herd of elephants were straying in the region and often destroying crops. In a fit of rage, some villagers killed an elephant and buried it in the forest.