According to a local, Ram Lal Yadav, they surmise that the wild deer was killed for meat in collusion with forest office staffers after some locals received venison at their homes on Saturday evening. The locals had found a spotted deer near the home of former IGP Pradeep SJB Rana at Basbitti. [break]
The locals caught the dear and took it to Rana´s house to ask for his suggestion on what to do with it. As per Rana´s suggestion, the locals informed the district forest office of their catch. Later, the locals, in the presence of Rana, handed over the animal to a team from the district forest office.
However, the district forest office later said that the deer died on the way to the office. Chief District Officer Dil Bahadur Ghimire, quoting district forest office chief Nandalal Yadav, informed that they had already cremated the dead deer and its hooves, hide and horns had been preserved as evidence.
Former IGP Rana expressed astonishment on hearing of the deer´s death, as it appeared in good health when they handed it over to the forest authorities.
According to DSP Dhurba Raj Raut at the area police office, Chandranigahapur, police have not signed the enquiry record prepared by the forest officials and they were also not present at the supposed cremation. The locals have demanded an investigation.
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