Chief conservator of forests G A Patel has sought an explanation from conservator Ramji Ray and district forest officer Arun Chaudhary, who are in charge of the sanctuary.

``If any forest department staff posted at the sanctuary is found hand in glove with poachers, he will have to face stringent punishment, including suspension from service,'' said principal chief conservator of forests A P Mishra.

The investigating team, Mishra said, had been instructed to find out if there was any negligence on part of the local forest staff. They have also been asked to identify the poachers involved in the illegalsale of rare birds. Most of them are believed to be from the Padhar community that inhabits villages around the lake.