DFO Issued 15-Day Ultimatum in Response to Four Major Allegations
Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government has taken strong action in the clandestine burning of a tiger carcass in Balaghat district, issuing a serious charge sheet against DFO Adhar Gupta of South Balaghat Forest Division. He has been given 15 days to respond.
The charge sheet levies four major allegations, including gross negligence in wildlife protection, failure to control subordinate staff, delayed inspection of the site, and allowing the primary accused to escape custody.
Key Lapses Cited
The controversy centers on the illegal cremation of a tiger in the Bahiyatikur beat of Lalbarra range, which was done without informing senior officials. The news only broke via WhatsApp on August 2, 2025. The charge sheet notes Gupta’s violation of standing 2018 orders that mandate immediate reporting of any wildlife death.
Furthermore, despite the two main accused staff members—Forester Tikram Hanote and Guard Himanshu Ghormare—presenting themselves to the DFO, no action was taken to detain them, allowing them to abscond. The government has deemed Gupta’s actions a “gross indifference to duties,” violating All India Services (Conduct) Rules 1968, paving the way for disciplinary action.
