Mishra, who is left with a service of just 11 months and will retire on July 31, 2015, had taken over as APCCF on March 14, 2013. He had completed only 16 months and was shifted again as APCCF (planning & management), considered as an unimportant post at Van Bhavan in Nagpur.

However, reacting strongly to Mishra's sudden transfer, wildlife conservationists said it only shows lack of seriousness on the part of the state government in fighting tiger poaching cases. Mishra was also coordinating with a tiger poaching case in Bhandara.

"As a chairman of steering committee on poaching cases, Mishra is well aware about cases being fought in various courts in Vidarbha. Since the cases are at a crucial stage, his shifting will slow down the process," said a section of conservationists.

They said trial in poaching cases may start anytime and Mishra is aware of the nitty-gritty's. The new incumbent, Meyipokyim Aier, who was on deputation as joint director with Tribal Research and Training Institute (TRTI), Pune, is out of touch with wildlife issues, specially tiger poaching cases.

This is for the second time when vested interests have managed to shift Mishra ahead of state assembly elections. Earlier, in 2009, while working in Dahanu as deputy conservator (DyCF), he was abruptly shifted to Panvel in Thane. Now again, ahead of assembly polls in October, he has been shunted out.