Akbar-Sita row: Tripura forest official suspended over lion naming controversy

AGARTALA: The Tripura government has suspended senior Tripura forest official, Pravin Lal Agrawal, who serves as the principal chief conservator of forests & chief wildlife warden, in light of the controversy surrounding the naming of a zoo lion and lioness as Akbar and Sita, respectively, which were relocated from Tripura to West Bengal.

The suspension comes after a complaint was lodged by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) with the Calcutta high court, alleging that the names of the animals offended religious sentiments.

The lions were transferred from the Sepahijala Zoo in Tripura to the North Bengal Wild Animals Park in Siliguri, West Bengal, on February 12.

An official order from the Tripura government stated that disciplinary action against PL Agrawal, is being contemplated/pending.

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“Now, therefore, the Competent Authority, in exercise of powers conferred by clause (a) of sub-rule (i) of rule 3 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, hereby places the said Shri PL Agrawal, IFS (TR:1994), under suspension with immediate effect,” the order read.

Additionally, the order stipulated that during the period of suspension, PL Agrawal will be stationed at the headquarters in Agartala, Tripura and will not be permitted to leave without prior authorization from the competent authority.