PANAJI
A leopard, trapped while roaming in Villian village in Sanguem died in the early hours of Tuesday at Bondla zoo where it was brought for treatment.
Upset over the death of the wild animal, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane has ordered an inquiry into the incident and has also issued show cause notice to Deputy Conservator of Forest (DCF) Wildlife Navin Kumar for alleged dereliction of duty, which he said led to the unfortunate incident.
Rane confirmed that the leopard died while receiving treatment at Bondla Zoo at around 2 am.
The wild cat was trapped by the Forest Department on Monday after it was found roaming in the village of Villian bordering the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary.
Hitting out at Kumar over the leopard's death Rane said, "it is shameful that an officer like Navin Kumar has to be forced to go on the field and do his duty. He was forced to go to Bondla and assess the situation by the chief conservator of forest," the minister said.
"It is unfortunate we could not save the leopard," Rane maintained.
He said a communication will be sent to DG Forest to initiate necessary action against Kumar and also to relieve him from Goa Forest Services with immediate effect.
He insisted that the protection of wildlife remains a priority of the State government and NGOs and other stakeholders are being roped in for the task.
Referring to incidents of animals being hit by vehicles while crossing roads passing through wildlife sanctuaries in Goa, the minister asserted he will take up the matter with the government to ensure there are speed limits on such streets.
