Bhubaneswar, November 19: Three forest personnel have been suspended following the electrocution of three elephants in the Naktideul range of the Rairakhol forest division in Odisha's Sambalpur district.
The incident occurred early Monday when two female elephants and a calf came in contact with live wires allegedly laid by poachers.
The Forest Department has also recommended action against two senior officers, one of whom has been asked to justify why disciplinary measures should not be taken against him, said an official.
Two suspected poachers have been detained, while efforts are going on to apprehend two more suspects involved in the incident.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Susanta Nanda, attributed the deaths to negligence and a lack of vigilance by forest personnel. He assured that strict actions would be taken against those found responsible.
An investigation into the incident is currently in progress.
