Similipal Tusker Poaching Eyewitness Dies after Consuming Poison; Hints at Some Deep Conspiracy

Bhubaneswar: Turam Prusty, the contractual forest employee posted in Similipal, who was under treatment for poisoning in Cuttack’s SCB Medical College passed away. Turam was an eyewitness to the poaching of a tusker and burning of its carcass by forest officials to cover it up. It was alleged that he had consumed poison on Monday after being threatened by 3 forest staff involved in the poaching of a tusker and the burning of its carcass in Similipal. Some also suspected that he may have consumed poison due to fear of legal action.

A Joint Task Force (JTF) formed of Odisha Government has started an investigation into the suspected elephant poaching and its cover-up by the forest staff of Similipal Tiger Reserve.

Turam, a contractual protection assistant in Similipal was a key eyewitness. He had told newsmen that his superiors had pressurized him not to disclose the elephant poaching incident and subsequent destruction of evidence.

Turam consumed poison at a time when the whole incident of elephant poaching and clandestine disposal of its carcass had started to hog headlines.

He was initially admitted to hospitals in Jashipur and Karanjia.  As his condition deteriorated, he was moved to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

Three forest staff including the in-charge range officer have already been arrested and placed under suspension in this elephant poaching case.