Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed profound grief over the death of forest guard Prahlad Pradhan, who was fatally shot by poachers during patrolling in the Rajmohanpur forest under Hindol Range in Dhenkanal district, on Friday night.
The Chief Minister announced a compensation of ₹30 lakh for Pradhan’s family and extended his heartfelt condolences.
Pradhan, aged 37, was part of a 13-member forest team patrolling the Rajmohanpur forest when the attack occurred. Critically injured by gunfire, he was rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital in Angul but was declared dead by doctors. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of forest personnel combating illegal poaching in Odisha.
The Chief Minister has, meanwhile, directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) to visit the site and conduct a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, police have detained four suspected poachers, recovering firearms from them, and are conducting detailed interrogations to uncover further details about their poaching activities.
Several other suspects involved in the attack managed to flee the scene, and efforts are underway to apprehend them.
