An administrative reshuffle has been carried out in the Forest Department following the death of 15 deer at Sanjay Van Vatika in Ambikapur. Two Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers have been transferred as part of the action, with official orders issued on Monday. According to the orders, Prabhakar Khalkho (2014 batch), who was serving as In-charge Conservator of Forests (Working Plan Circle) in Surguja, has been transferred to Koriya district as Deputy Conservator of Forests (Territorial). Meanwhile, Chandrashekhar Shankar Singh Pardeshi (2020 batch), previously posted as DCF (Territorial) in Korea, has been assigned the role of In-charge Conservator of Forests (Working Plan Circle) in Surguja. The reshuffle comes in the wake of a disturbing incident reported on March 21 at Sanjay Van Vatika under the Surguja Forest Division.

 

A pack of 4–5 stray dogs reportedly entered the enclosure and attacked the deer, leading to the death of 15 animals. In a serious lapse, attempts were allegedly made to conceal the incident, with 14 deer carcasses being secretly burned in a forested area behind the facility. Upon receiving information, Divisional Forest Officer Abhishek Jogawat reached the spot. While one carcass was found inside the enclosure, evidence of the burning of the remaining animals was discovered nearby. An inquiry team led by the Sub-Divisional Officer has been constituted to investigate the incident and determine accountability. In immediate disciplinary action, Chief Conservator of Forests for the Surguja Circle, Dilraj Prabhakar, has suspended the in-charge of the Van Vatika along with three staff members. During the suspension period, all four officials have been attached to the Surguja Forest Division headquarters in Ambikapur. Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.