BTR elephant deaths are 'killings by government', claims MP Congress; seeks Forest Minister's ouster

Former CM Kamal Nath demands CBI probe into elephant deaths, accusing State government of killings, corruption, and negligence.

Madhya Pradesh Congress on Tuesday (November 5, 2024) claimed the deaths of ten elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) were "killings by the government" and demanded the resignation of state Forest Minister Ramniwas Rawat.

Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath launched a scathing attack on the State government, demanding that it recommend a CBI or judicial probe into the deaths.

On October 29, four wild elephants were found dead in Sankhani and Bakeli under the Khalil range of the BTR in Umaria district, while four died on October 30 and two on October 31.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has suspended two senior officials of the BTR for lapses after a high-level probe team submitted its reports in connection with the deaths.

Talking to reporters, State Congress president Jitu Patwari alleged, "The deaths of ten elephants was not an accident. They were poisoned. Who poisoned them is a matter of investigation, but the government and forest department are the culprits. These are government killings." He further claimed that several elephant deaths were not made public.

"This government passes a budget for wild animals but indulges in corruption. About 140 tigers have died in Madhya Pradesh in the past three years. It is a big number," Mr. Patwari said.

He said while the government spent Rs 5,000 crore to bring cheetahs, tigers, which are the state's pride, are dying.