States » EastPosted at: Nov 15 2026 6:09PM


Elephant deaths spur action against junior forest staff; conservationists question senior officials' accountability

Bhubaneswar, Nov 15 (UNI) A day after two elephants, including a calf, died in an alleged electrocution incident in Dhenkanal district, the Forest Department on Sunday suspended two frontline personnel and arrested a local resident, even as conservationists questioned the absence of accountability among senior officials.
Meanwhile, conservationists have questioned the department's accountability mechanism, pointing out that action has so far been limited to frontline personnel, while the responsibility of senior forest officials overseeing wildlife protection and field-level monitoring remains unexamined. They have called for accountability at all levels.
The incident occurred near Godaribili village under Kadalipala Beat of Kamakhyanagar West Range on the night of November 14. The dead elephants comprised a female aged around 15-20 years and her calf.
The department suspended Forester Subhendu Bhuiya of Anlabereni Section and Forest Guard Mansmita Barala of Kadalipala Beat for negligence in the discharge of their duties. Kumara Naik, a resident of Godaribili village, was arrested in connection with the deaths.
A preliminary investigation suggests that the elephants died after coming in contact with an illegal live-wire connection to solar fencing erected around an agricultural field. The exact cause of death will be established through post-mortem and veterinary examinations.
A joint team comprising senior forest officials, Joint Task Force members, veterinary experts, the Electrical Inspector and Tata Power representatives inspected the spot to ascertain the circumstances leading to the deaths.
Further investigation is underway to establish individual responsibility, officials concluded.
UNI MK RSA
Tags: #Elephant deaths spur action against junior forest staff; conservationists question senior officials' accountability
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