Baripada: In a major crackdown on wildlife crime, forest department officials on Wednesday arrested seven absconding wildlife criminals from Dudhiani and Anlakata villages under Karanjia police limits in Mayurbhanj district.
The arrests were made during house searches conducted in connection with a 2023–24 case under the National Park Wildlife Range. The operation led to the seizure of one barking deer horn, one spotted deer antler, six bows, eleven arrows, two snares, and two catapults.
Similipal Deputy Director (South) Samrat Gowda confirmed the arrests and identified the accused as Raghunath Soy alias Mayen, Baburam Soy alias Sukura, Sukulal Hembram, Mangal Badra alias Tase, Jaysingh Sirka, Kunaram Samad alias Kanda, and Baya Banara.
All the accused were produced in court on Wednesday following their arrest, Gowda said.
