Odisha Forest Officer Killed in Encounter with Poachers in Dhenkanal
Forest officer, Prahlad Pradhan, tragically lost his life during an armed encounter with poachers in the Hindol forest range of Dhenkanal district, Odisha, in the early hours of Saturday, May 24th. The incident occurred when a team of forest officials, led by Pradhan, was conducting a raid on a suspected poachers' den.
Fatal Encounter during Anti-Poaching Raid
According to initial reports, the forest department team ventured into the Tanti Chhira jungle within the Rajmohanpur forest area around 2 AM on Saturday, based on information about poaching activities. Upon encountering the forest officials, the poachers, who had reportedly established a makeshift camp and were engaged in hunting wild animals, opened fire. Prahlad Pradhan, the in-charge forest ranger of the Koil forest section, sustained fatal injuries during the ensuing exchange. He was subsequently rushed to the Angul District Headquarters Hospital, where medical professionals declared him deceased.
Four Arrested, Manhunt and Investigation Underway
Dhenkanal Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Mr. Submit Kar, IFS, confirmed that four individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. Among those apprehended are two local residents from Tantichira village under Hindol Police station and two individuals from the Narasinghpur area. A country-made firearm has also been recovered from the accused. A comprehensive manhunt has been initiated to apprehend the other poachers who managed to flee the scene during the encounter. The forest department and local police have launched a joint investigation into the matter, and a forensic team has been dispatched to the site to gather evidence.
The deceased officer, Prahlad Pradhan, was a resident of Kamakhyanagar in Dhenkanal district. The forest department has stated that his family is being provided with financial assistance and other necessary support.
This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and challenges that forest officials and other frontline personnel consistently face in their dedicated efforts to protect wildlife and combat illegal poaching activities across the state. The authorities are committed to bringing all perpetrators involved to justice.
Report by: Mr.Pratap Ku.Baral, Dhenkanal
