A forest official was shot dead by poachers inside the Similipal sanctuary in the wee hours of Saturday.

The deceased has been identified as 45-year-old Mathi Hansda, the ranger of Upper Barahakumuda division of Similipal sanctuary in Mayurbhanj district.

The state government has ordered a probe and the police have launched a manhunt to nab the accused.

Deputy director of Similipal sanctuary (north division) Sai Kiran D.N. told reporters: “Mati Hansda, an on-duty staff was shot dead by poachers inside the sanctuary. He was killed while carrying out patrolling at around 2.30 am on Saturday. Our staff immediately brought him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.”

Officials said Hansda and six other officials entered the sanctuary late on Friday night after getting a tip-off about the presence of poachers inside the dense forest. They moved around the sanctuary till midnight.

“While they were returning, they came face to face with the poachers. The poachers, numbering around 10, suddenly fired them from close range. There was also an exchange of fire. Hansda took a bullet in his chest and died on the spot. The incident took place between 2 am and 3 am on Saturday,” said an official.

Forest and environment minister Pardip Kumar Amat said: “A probe has been ordered. A compensation amount of Rs 25 lakh has been given to the family of the forest official. Patrolling will be intensified inside the sanctuary area. Besides, steps will be taken to give protection to the on-duty officials.”

On May 22, forest guard Bimal Kumar Jena, 35, was shot dead by poachers inside the sanctuary.

Former honorary wildlife warden, Bhanu Mitra Acharya, said: “The forest department lacks a concrete plan on how to save the sanctuary. Only poor forest officials at the lower rung are being killed. The government should hand over the management of the sanctuary to us, the public, and we will manage it.”