A disturbing incident has emerged from the Belghar forest range under the Baliguda Forest Division in Kandhamal district, Odisha, involving the death of an elephant. Baliguda Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Ghanshyam Mohanta has confirmed that the reports of the elephant carcass being cut into pieces and buried at a different location are true.
Sources said the elephant died in the Jhiripani area on January 5. In an alleged attempt to conceal the death, some Forest Department personnel, including a forester, ranger, and home guards, reportedly dismembered the carcass and buried it elsewhere.
Initially, officials from the Belghar forest range denied the allegations, calling the reports false. However, after an on-site inspection and preliminary investigation, the DFO verified the claims. A detailed inquiry has now been launched to ascertain all facts and fix responsibility for the incident.
Baliguda DFO Ghanshyam Mohanta stated, “The death of an elephant in the Belghar forest range is confirmed. An inquiry has already been initiated, and detailed findings will be made public once the investigation concludes.”
The incident has raised serious questions about wildlife protection and the conduct of forest personnel tasked with safeguarding endangered species.
