Bhubaneswar, March 19: Two forest officials were severely injured after encountering gunfire from poachers during a patrol in Kuladiha Sanctuary near Panchalingeswar Beat in Balasore district late Monday night. Fortunately, another forest official narrowly escaped harm.

Reports indicate that the forest officials embarked on their patrol of Kuladiha Sanctuary around 8 pm upon learning of poachers infiltrating the area. After hours of search, they engaged the hunters around 2 am. Upon attempting to apprehend the poachers, they faced gunfire, resulting in severe injuries to two officials.

The injured officials were identified as Khitish Parida and Biranchi Jena from the anti-poaching squad. They were initially treated at Balasore District Headquarters Hospital before being transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for further medical attention.

Meanwhile, the Kuladiha Forest Department made two arrests in connection with the incident, apprehending two poachers.

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