Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has suspended two senior officials from the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) following the tragic deaths of 10 wild elephants over three days last week. The suspended officials include BTR Director Gaurav Chaudhary and the in-charge Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Fateh Singh Ninama, due to negligence in their duties.
CM Yadav stated that Chaudhary was suspended for keeping his mobile phone switched off and failing to return to duty from leave, despite directives from senior officials. Similarly, Ninama was suspended for not demonstrating the necessary leadership and responsibility during the investigation into the elephant deaths.
The unfortunate incidents occurred when four elephants died on Tuesday, four more on Wednesday, and two on Thursday. Only three elephants from the original herd of 13 have survived.
Preliminary investigations suggest the elephants may have died after grazing on pesticide-sprayed kodo millet crops, but the exact cause will be determined once forensic results of the viscera samples are received.
