The Odisha Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department has suspended Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Suryakant Behera of Balliguda Forest Division in connection with the shocking elephant death case.
The suspension was based on a report submitted by the RCCF, Berhampur Circle, dated January 24, 2026. As per the order, Behera has been placed under suspension with immediate effect pending disciplinary proceedings under Rule 12(1)(a) of the OCS (CCA) Rules, 1962.
Terms of Suspension
- Behera’s headquarters during the suspension will be fixed at the office of the PCCF & HoFF, Odisha.
- He cannot leave headquarters without prior permission from the competent authority.
- He will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per Rule-90 of the Orissa Service Code.
The suspension comes amid public outrage over the elephant death case in Balliguda Forest Division. The Forest Department’s move signals accountability and disciplinary action against officials linked to negligence in wildlife protection.
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