The Forest Department suspended five officers Saturday, including a forest official who was linked to an incident at Coney Elephant Camp where a four-year-old boy died after a concrete pole fell on him.
“A forest official and four forest officials were suspended after a preliminary investigation revealed their negligence, pending further inquiry,” a senior official said. The action was taken under the direction of Forest Minister AK Saseendran.
According to official sources, Konni’s subdivision forest officials and scope forest officials responsible for the camp may also be transferred.
The preliminary inquiry report showed serious errors, including the failure to remove the lack of concrete poles, which were not too few and did not have any strength tests on the structure.
Meanwhile, the Chief Conservator of the Southern Circle is expected to submit a detailed report on the incident to the minister by Monday.
The victim, Abhiram, a Kadampanad resident near Adoor, was visiting the camp with his family when the accident occurred on Friday. Reports show that the child was playing near the four-foot concrete pole when it suddenly collapsed and hit him. Abhiram was immediately taken to a nearby hospital and later transferred to another facility in Pathanamthitta. However, he later succumbed to injury.
publishing – April 19, 2025, 7:49 pm IST
