A horrific incident has come to light from the animal rescue centre in Chhattisgarh’s Surguja district, where a pack of stray dogs breached the high-security enclosure of Sanjay Van Vatika, leading to the tragic death of 15 deer. The incident, which occurred on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, has exposed severe security lapses within the forest department.How the Attack UnfoldedA pack of four to five stray dogs reportedly entered the park from the adjoining forest area. According to officials, the dogs managed to breach the deer enclosure, where they chased and attacked the captive animals.Immediate Casualties: 14 deer, including spotted deer, barking deer, and the endangered four-horned antelope, were found dead on Saturday morning.Final Toll: One critically injured deer succumbed to its injuries on Sunday, bringing the total death toll to 15.Forest Department Swings into ActionThe Surguja Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Abhishek Jogawat, confirmed that the deaths were caused by severe dog bites and the trauma of the attack.Suspensions: Taking the matter seriously, Chief Conservator of Forests Dilraj Prabhakar has suspended four officials for alleged negligence, including Deputy Ranger Ashok Sinha and three forest guards.Show-Cause Notice: Ambikapur Forest Ranger Akshapalak Rishi has been served a notice and must respond within five days.Closure: The park has been shut for three days to the general public to strengthen security measures and allow for a thorough investigation.Investigation and Future StepsAn inquiry team led by the Sub-Divisional Officer (Forest) has been constituted to probe the exact cause of the breach. Preliminary reports suggest that a gate might have been left open inadvertently. The carcasses were disposed of following postmortem examinations as per prescribed norms.This tragedy has reduced the park's deer population from 31 to just 16, raising alarms among wildlife activists regarding the safety of animals in state-run rescue centres.
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