Baliguda: Forest officials have arrested three more poachers in connection with the death of an elephant due to electrocution in the Munduti forest under the Belghar range of the Baliguda forest division in Kandhamal district.
The accused have been identified as Kshama Patra, 76, Brushabha Patra, 44, and Gokul Patra, 41; all residents of Jhiripani village under the Belghar range.
According to Forest department officials, the trio had allegedly laid live electric wires in the Munduti forest January 4 to hunt wild boar.
However, an elephant was electrocuted after coming in contact with the live wire January 5.
During questioning, the three accused reportedly admitted to laying the electric trap and said they were present at the site after the elephant died.
Earlier, forest officials had arrested three other poachers from the Jhiripani area February 4.
The department seized three country-made firearms, electric wires, animal hides, horns and skeletal remains of wild animals during the operation.
With the latest arrests, a total of 10 people, including six poachers, the absconding deputy ranger’s driver and an excavator operator, have been arrested and forwarded to court in connection with the case.
Investigators said the accused attempted to cover up the incident by dismembering the elephant’s carcass into 32 pieces and burying them. Deputy Ranger Binay Kumar Bishi, who has been suspended, remains absconding.
Sources said no further action has been taken by senior Forest Department authorities against him so far.
Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Suryakanta Behera has also been suspended for allegedly attempting to suppress the investigation report.
