Forest Guard Shot Dead by Poachers in Odisha; CM Announces ₹30 Lakh Compensation

Bhubaneswar, May 24 – A forest guard was tragically shot dead by poachers in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district, prompting Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to announce an ex-gratia compensation of ₹30 lakh for the victim’s family.

The deceased, identified as Forest Guard Prahlad Pradhan, was on routine patrol duty inside the Rajmohanpur forest under the Hindol forest range when the incident occurred early Saturday morning. According to sources, Pradhan was shot in the abdomen by unidentified poachers and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite efforts to save him, doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Chief Minister Majhi expressed profound grief over the incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved family. “The sacrifice made by Forest Guard Prahlad Pradhan in the line of duty will not be forgotten,” he stated.

The Chief Minister also directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) to visit the incident site and initiate a comprehensive investigation into the killing. Authorities have launched a manhunt to apprehend the culprits responsible for the heinous crime.

The tragic incident has sparked outrage among forest department staff and conservationists, highlighting the risks faced by frontline personnel in protecting the state’s wildlife and forests.