Tiger deaths at M.M. Hills: DCF, ACF sent on compulsory leave
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) in an order issued on Monday sent DCF Chakrapani Y. and ACF Gajanana Hegde on compulsory leave until further notice.
Not noticed
The order said that despite the carcass of five tigers being found just 100 metres from an asphalt road, it did not come to the attention of the department staff for two days which was considered a very serious lapse in forest and wildlife conservation.
It also said that the carcasses were found just 800 metres from an anti-poaching camp. The order also said that non-payment of salaries and allowances to the frontline outsourced staff also hampered the patrolling.
'Prima facie it is found that the reason for this [death] is the negligence of the DCF, ACF, Zonal Forest Officer and Sub-Zonal Forest Officer and patrol personnel of the M.M. Hills Wildlife Division, and an investigation is required; action is being taken separately against the Sub-Zonal Forest Officer-cum-Surveyor and patrol personnel of the branch concerned at the level of the Chief Conservator of Forests, Chamarajanagar Circle, Chamarajanagar,' the order stated.
The department has also given additional charge to officers for the above posts.
Investigations
The State government has also constituted a high-level committee to probe the tiger deaths. The committee has been directed to submit a report in 14 days.
Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre on Monday said that disciplinary action would be taken if any negligence of any officer was found in the case. Disciplinary action was likely to be taken following the completion of the investigation and submission of the investigation report.
Forest officials have arrested three persons who were allegedly directly involved in the poisoning of the tigers. The three accused have been arrested under the relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Indian Forest Act, 1969.
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has also ordered a probe into the incident and constituted a Special Investigation Team for the purpose.
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