Balasore: Two forest officials sustained severe injuries after being fired by poachers during patrolling in Kuladiha Sanctuary near Panchalingeswar Beat in Balasore district late Monday night.
However, another forest official had a close shave.
According to sources, forest officials left for patrolling to the Kuladiha Sanctuary at 8 pm after they came to know that poachers had sneaked into the forest. After searching for hours, they chased the hunters at 2 am. When the forest officials tried to capture the poachers, the latter opened fire at the former. As a result, two of the forest officials sustained severe injuries.
The injured were identified as Khitish Parida and Biranchi Jena of anti-poaching squad. They were initially admitted to the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital and later shifted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
Meanwhile, the Kuladiha Forest Department arrested two poachers in this connection.
Taking to Twitter, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sushant Nanda wrote: “Kuldiha Range, Balasore Division came across two poachers inside Kuldiha Sanctuary. They have been arrested. Two staff were injured when fired upon. They are out of danger. Praying for their early recovery. Salutations to the team.”
