Goa Forest Dept Seeks Police Probe Into Home Guard Jawan’s ‘Bison Attack’ Death

The Goa Forest Department has sought a police investigation into the suspicious death of a Home Guard jawan whose death was initially attributed to a gaur attack , after officials found major inconsistencies in the evidence and post-mortem findings.

Dinesh Gaude (48), attached to the Ponda Police Station and a resident of Bethoda village, died on May 7 after he was allegedly attacked by a wild bison near Kadnevhal junction in Ponda. Initial reports claimed the animal charged at him from behind while he was walking towards a friend’s house after parking his motorcycle nearby.

However, a subsequent inquiry by the Forest Department raised doubts over the animal attack theory. In a letter to the South Goa Superintendent of Police, the Deputy Conservator of Forests pointed out the absence of hoof marks , dung, hair or any signs indicating the movement of a gaur at the spot.

Officials also said the post-mortem report did not match injuries typically caused by bison attacks. The report mentioned a single penetrating wound near the buttock region and only a superficial neck abrasion, instead of multiple crush or trampling injuries usually seen in gaur attacks.

The department further flagged contradictory eyewitness statements , with one witness reportedly admitting he had not actually seen the animal. Officials also questioned why Gaude used an isolated forest route despite access to the nearby highway and a wine shop from the main road side. Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane said “nothing can be ruled out” and urged police to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident.