Three killed in elephant attack in Odisha’s Dhenkanal, forester suspended

BHUBANESWAR: In a tragic incident, three villagers were killed in elephant attack at Baghadharia village of Hindol Tehsil in Dhenkanal on Thursday morning.

A forester in-charge has been suspended in this connection, while forest authorities announced Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia to the next of kin of the deceased as per the provisions of compassionate grant in the event of death due to wild animal attack.

“The compensation will be provided to the families of all three deceased who lost their lives in the incident. Strict action will be also taken against the officials who have been negligent in their duties,” said Forest andtheir duties,” said Forest and Environment minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, while expressing grief in the matter.

The Minister said following the instructions of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, he has also directed the departmental officials to investigate the matter and initiate appropriate action.Following the incident, family members of the deceased and villagers staged a protest seeking adequate compensation.

PCCF Wildlife Prem Kumar Jha said the families of the deceased were assured of Rs 10 lakh compensation, of which Rs 1 lakh will be disbursed immediately.

Dhenkanal DFO Sumit Kumar Kar said forester and Forest Guard in-charge of Rasol Beat Lusimita Singh has been suspended in connection with the incident and attached to Hindol range. “Disciplinary proceeding will be done pending approval from higher authorities,” he said.