Forester Death / Forester Found Dead at Staff Quarters in Balangir; Relative Alleges Departmental Harassment

Balangir, Sep 21: A forest department employee was found dead at staff quarters on the premises of the Balangir Range Office on Sunday evening, triggering concern among department employees.

The deceased was identified as Byasadeva Sahu, who was working as a Forester at the Balangir Range Office.

Staff members spotted Byasadeva unresponsive at the quarters behind the range office at around 7pm on September 20 and alerted the police, a source informed.

Laxmijore police reached the spot and began an investigation. A scientific team also examined the scene as part of the probe.

The body was recovered at around midnight and sent for post-mortem examination. The autopsy is scheduled to be conducted on Monday.

Cause Of Death Yet To Be Established
The circumstances surrounding Byasadeva’s death and the exact cause have not yet been established. Police are investigating all aspects of the case.

Balangir DFO Ajit Bishi said Byasadeva was a good professional and that, to his knowledge, he had not been facing significant work pressure from the forest division.

“We all are in deep pain and shock. Byasadeva was a good professional. As far as I know, there was not much work pressure from the forest division’s side. Around 20-25 days ago, a pleader notice came in his name for Rs 3 lakh, sent by an advocate. But I cannot say this was the reason for his death,” Bishi said.

The DFO also said Byasadeva had been recommended for the Best Forester Award because of his performance and was subsequently conferred the award on Independence Day.

Also Read: Senior Jail Superintendent Sujit Kumar Roul Arrested in Choudwar Jailbreak Case

Relative Alleges Departmental Harassment
Meanwhile, Byasadeva’s relative Sukadeb Sahu alleged that the Forester had faced harassment from departmental authorities and sought a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.


“It is a clear case of departmental harassment. He told us about that. One of his cheques was bounced and he did not receive any cooperation from his department. I also asked him if he had taken money from anyone, but he had refused,” Sahu alleged.

Police are continuing their investigation, and the exact circumstances surrounding the death are expected to become clearer after the post-mortem examination and further inquiry.

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