Mayurbhanj: Continuing its combing operation around the Similipal Sanctuary to make the region free of poachers and illegal weapons, the Mayurbhanj police on Tuesday arrested two poachers and seized 2 mobile phones, 2 country guns, 3 air guns, and Rs 2.95 lakh.
According to Mayurbhanj SP Butala Gangadhar, police conducted raids in Kuamara, Sayukula and Hatnuaga under Khunta police limits on July 18. All the illegal weapons were recovered from Sayukula.
The two arrested accused have been identified as Santonu Sahu (52) and Ashwini Kumar Dey (50).
The SP said that another accused Dey is involved in wildlife hunting and smuggling. In addition, a fraud case is pending against Santonu Sahu at the Bhanjpur police station.
The accused were arrested on charges of violation of wildlife law poaching. They have been sent to judicial custody. A preliminary investigation revealed that Santonu Sahu was planning to commit crimes again while he was on bail.
