Poachers kill second Similipal forester in a month; Centre rushes team to Odisha

The Centre has rushed a Wildlife Crime Control Bureau team to Odisha after poachers allegedly shot dead a forester at the Similipal National Park in Mayurbhanj district. One person has been arrested.

The forester was identified as Mathi Hansda (40). He was allegedly killed while patrolling along with five other staff members near Gamchacharan under Upper Barhakamuda range of Similipal South.

Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav said one person has been held in connection with the incident.

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“The accused have been identified and one of them has been taken into custody. A country-made gun has also been seized,” the minister tweeted on Saturday.

The enforcing agencies will ensure stringent action under the Wildlife Protection Act and IPC, he said.

The accused have been identified and one of them has been taken into custody. A country-made gun has also been seized.

Stringent action under the WLPA 1970 and IPC will be ensured by the enforcing agencies.

— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) June 17, 2023

In another tweet, the minister said: “I am deeply saddened at the loss of our fallen warrior in the line of duty. We salute his sacrifice and extend our heartfelt condolences. MOEFCC has already taken cognisance of the matter and a team of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is being sent to support the state machinery.”

Mathi Hansda received several bullet injuries in his chest. “… he was taken to Karanjia Sub-Divisional Hospital where he was declared dead by attending doctor,” said Prakash Chand Gogineni, Field Director, Similipal Tiger Reserve.

On May 22, poachers shot dead a forest guard, Bimal Kumar Jena.

(With agency inputs)