Mayurbhanj: The Forest department on Sunday arrested four poachers from Similipal sanctuary and seized several weapons used for hunting from their possession.
According to reports, acting on a tip-off that four poachers had entered the Similipal sanctuary, the Shimilipal Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) increased patrolling in the area and spotted the poachers in the Jenabil Range area of South Division. However, seeing the STPF jawans, two gun-wielding hunters retreated from the scene, while two others were arrested.
The arrested poachers have been identified as Jagbandhu alias Mohan (60) of Kadamda village of Bugdha panchayat under Udala police limits and Babu Murmu alias Badu (25) of Angarpada village under Laban Sahir. The STPF seized 40 grams of gunpowder, a 141 cm gun barrel, a bowl, and other items from their possession.
Samrat Gowda, deputy director of the Southern Division of Similipal Tiger Reserve, informed that a case has been filed at the Jenabil range and further investigation is underway.
Similarly, two more poachers have been arrested from Similipal sanctuary by a joint task force, and guns and weapons were seized from them. As per reports, a joint task force team has been deployed to prevent poaching within the Similipal sanctuary. There were reports of hunters entering the sanctuary. The force reached the spot in the Dukura range area. However, seeing the force there, seven hunters fled the scene, while two were arrested.
These two hunters have been identified as Suresh Tudu (50) and Bajun Kisku (40) of Manikpur village Vaidkudi under Udala police limits. The joint force seized 50 grams of gunpowder, a gun, 70 iron balls, chemicals, and other items from their possession.
Dr Prakash Chand Gogineni, Area Director of Similipal Tiger Reserve and Regional Wildlife Conservator, informed that a case has been registered in the Dukura range and further investigation is underway.
Similarly, the Forest department has also arrested two wood-cutters from the Similipal sanctuary. Timber and tools have been seized from their possession.
