15 Deer Killed by Stray Dogs at Chhattisgarh Rescue Centre, Officials Suspended
In a tragic incident highlighting alleged negligence, fifteen deer have died after stray dogs entered an enclosure at the Sanjay Park rescue centre in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh. The forest department has responded by suspending four officials, launching an inquiry, and serving a notice to the local ranger.
Details of the Attack
The incident occurred between Friday and Saturday night when four to five stray dogs reportedly entered the park from the adjoining forest and reached the deer enclosure. Preliminary findings indicate that the gate of the enclosure had been left open, inadvertently allowing the dogs to enter and attack the captive animals.
Trapped inside, the deer, being sensitive creatures, had little chance as the dogs chased and attacked them. Fourteen deer died on the spot, while one critically injured animal succumbed on Sunday. Officials confirmed that the carcasses were disposed of as per the rules.
Immediate Aftermath and Actions
Surguja Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Abhishek Jogawat confirmed the deaths, stating that the animals died due to dog bites. In the immediate aftermath, the park was shut for three days. On Saturday morning, park staff discovered the carcasses, triggering panic within the department.
Veterinarians were called in, and postmortem examinations were conducted on the dead animals before their disposal as per protocol. A sharp-edged weapon was recovered from the spot, which DFO Jogawat explained was an equipment used in the autopsy of animals and was mistakenly left there.
Suspensions and Inquiry
The incident has led to swift action from the forest department. Four staff members, including deputy ranger Ashok Sinha, forest guards Mamta Porte and Pratima Lakda, and employee Bindu Singh, were suspended by Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Dilraj Prabhakar for negligence.
Ambikapur ranger Akshapak Rishi has also been served a notice and asked to respond within five days, failing which further action will follow. A three-member inquiry team led by the Ambikapur Sub-Divisional Officer (forest) has been constituted and asked to submit its report.
"Strict action will be taken against those found responsible," DFO Jogawat said, emphasizing the department's commitment to accountability.
Broader Concerns and Park History
The scale of the loss has raised larger concerns about safety and monitoring inside the facility. Officials revealed that the park had 31 deer before the incident, of which only 16 now remain. Apart from deer, the park also houses peacocks and other animals.
Sanjay Park has seen fluctuations in its deer population over the years. Around five years ago, more than 60 deer were relocated from the park to the Ramkola area, after which the population had stabilized and grown again to over 30. This incident underscores ongoing challenges in wildlife management and protection at such facilities.
