Kaziranga forester’s suicide sparks outcry; demand for probe against DFO

The death of Dashami Duwara, a forest worker of the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division in Kaziranga National Park, who allegedly died by suicide inside the staff quarters, has triggered a fresh controversy.

The incident took a new turn after allegations surfaced, linking the name of Kaziranga’s Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Arun Vignesh to the case. Several organisations have questioned the propriety of an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer engaging in late-night social media interactions with a fourth-grade employee.

On Saturday, representatives of Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, Tai Ahom Students’ Union, Bir Lachit Sena, Tai Ahom Youth Council, All Assam Chutia Students’ Union, Chutia Yuva Parishad, All Assam Scheduled Caste Students’ Union, Student Mukti Sangram Samiti, and Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad, among others, held a meeting at Bokakhat police station with Sub-Divisional Police Officer Bardi Boro and investigating officer SI Chayanika Borkotoky.

Also Read: Assam: Forest worker dies in Kaziranga, suicide suspected

The organisations demanded that DFO Arun Vignesh, against whom fingers have been raised, be brought under the ambit of the probe and questioned. They also urged that, instead of a sub-inspector, a higher-ranking police officer be assigned to interrogate the DFO. 

Furthermore, the groups called upon the Chief Minister to relieve Arun Vignesh from his post until the investigation is completed.

Although the police assured the organisations of a fair probe, leaders of the groups expressed dissatisfaction. They further alleged that the police investigation so far has harassed common villagers—ranging from fishermen to farmers—while leaving the main accused untouched.