THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The vigilance team will investigate the incident where a tranquilized bear drowned to death in a well of Vellanad. The vigilance will investigate whether there were any mistakes or lapses on the part of the employees in the mission. The vigilance team will also probe the functioning of the Rapid Response Team (RRT). Action will be taken only after a detailed investigation. The team will also look into the lapses in complying with the standard operating procedure of the forest department and the allegations raised about the RRT in Paruthipally.

Meanwhile, some of the top officials of the department are of the opinion that the punishment should be ended by issuing a memo to the guilty employees. Most people are of the opinion that exemplary punishment should be given to the officers who have embarrassed the state forest department. The forest minister will decide the punitive measures.