https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Perils Of Being A Forest Ranger 

Indian Masterminds Stories

Working in the forest is a risky affair. While enforcing the law or dealing with the wild animals, forest personnel and rangers expose themselves to different kinds of danger. Every year, many of them die in the line of duty. 

According to the International Ranger Foundation, more than 40 rangers were killed during June 2022 to May 2023 in India. Recently, when an expert in firing tranquilizer darts at elephants, HH Venkatesh, died from injuries suffered in an elephant attack in the Hassan district of Karnataka, it sparked a lot of debate. A video went viral where he could be seen on foot while firing the dart. Many wildlife experts are divided in their opinions on the incident. Some say that this mishap could have been avoided if proper protocol had been followed. But, is forest a place where protocol can be followed to the dot? 

Indian Masterminds talked to few experienced Indian Forest Service officers to find out their take on this incident. 

WHAT HAPPENED

A 40-year-old tusker named Bheema had injuries on his back due to a fight with another tusker. He was seen roaming around by the villagers but had not not attacked any person or animal since getting injured till that fateful day. 

The Hassan forest division took permission from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to tranquilize the injured elephant for treatment. Venketash, who has been doing this job since last 20 years, was assigned this job. After darting the animal from just 20 ft away, he stood there on the ground thinking the animal would move forward. However, the elephant

instead turned around and chased and trampled Venkatesh who stumbled and fell to the ground while trying to save himself. He was rushed to the hospital but couldn’t be saved. 

BETTER STRATEGY 

Forest officers from across the country have offered their condolence for this tragic incident. Field Director of Bandipur, Dr. P Ramesh, said that this mishap might not have happened if proper protocol was followed. “There is no doubt about his capability. He was an expert and successfully darted around 50 animals. Yet, when such an operation comes, one should make a proper strategy before going to the field. Everyone should try to follow the safety measures because it is for their own benefit.” 

He also said that the elephant could have gone any way, and it was unfortunate that it turned on Venkatesh. 

EACH CONFLICT DIFFERENT 

Senior IFS officer Ramesh Pandey believes that each man-animal conflict is different. The terrain is different, so the situation is different. In such a scenario, it is up to the team to take a decision based on the scenario. “There are no set rules in forest. Each situation is unique. We should trust the instinct of the person on the field. Mishap could have happen while following the procedure also. One can fall out of a gypsy or fall down from the kunki elephant that is used for darting. So, one should not demean the effort of the ranger who lost his life after losing his job,” said he said.

Mr. Pandey also pointed out that there is always a scope for calculated risk in such kind of operations, and daring people do take the risks. And, we should respect their sacrifices. 


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Former Karnataka DGP Om Prakash
Retired Karnataka DGP Om Prakash Found Dead at Bengaluru Home; Wife Detained
1000478229_1745086472
IPS Ankit Soni Appointed as New SP of Guna, MP
ChhattisgarhGovt_resized
IPS Transfers in Chhattisgarh: Major Reshuffle of 20 Officers, New SPs and IGs Appointed
174512286443
Senior IAS Officer Mugdha Sinha Appointed MD of India Tourism Development Corporation
9521720314202520017936
Dr. Jitendra Singh Interacts with 2023 IAS Batch, Applauds Record 41% Women Representation
BHEL_resized
BHEL Logs 19% Revenue Growth at 27,350 Crore in FY 2024-25
Steel-Authority
Chitta Ranjan Mohapatra Selected as Director In-Charge of Bhilai Steel Plant, SAIL
images - 2023-04-21T090510
India Becomes First Nation to Achieve Artificial Breeding of Great Indian Bustard
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
IRS Padmapani Bora’s 16-Year-Long Journey in Governance
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-13 at 1.46
This Collector Finds Happiness In Squeaks Of Children With Hearing Impairment Who Start Hearing After Surgery
Meghashree D R IAS
How Wayanad’s Women Turned a Disaster into a Dream Project
UPSC Stories
images (14)
Utsav Anand, the UPSC Topper Who Chose Public Service Over a Plush Career
From IIT Bombay to the 2022 IAS batch (Haryana cadre), Utsav Anand’s journey is proof that sharp minds...
pushplata-yadav-ias
How IAS Pushp Lata’s Strategy and Spirit Took Her to AIR 80
From rural Haryana to IAS, Pushp Lata Yadav’s journey reflects focused planning, adaptation, and the...
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
IRS Padmapani Bora’s 16-Year-Long Journey in Governance
IRS officer Padmapani Bora's 16-year career transcends typical bureaucracy. Discover his surprising journey...
Social Media
GozJlgrXYAAHoKv
Murals for Cleanliness: Thoothukudi District Launches Art-Inspired Sanitation Drive in Panchayats
Local artists add colour and messages to village walls, promoting hygiene and community pride
Himanshu Nagpal IAS
Varanasi's Beggar Rehabilitation Initiative Recognised by UIDAI, CDO Himanshu Nagpal Shares the News
Mr. Himanshu Nagpal is a 2019-batch IAS officer
IAS Vaishali Chopra
Young IAS Vaishali Chopra Takes a Stand Against Caste Bias During Field Training in Uttar Pradesh
While the issue itself may seem small, the post is resonating widely online for its honest reflection...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Former Karnataka DGP Om Prakash
Retired Karnataka DGP Om Prakash Found Dead at Bengaluru Home; Wife Detained
1000478229_1745086472
IPS Ankit Soni Appointed as New SP of Guna, MP
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IRS Padmapani Bora UPSC
WhatsApp Image 2025-04-13 at 1.46
Meghashree D R IAS
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT