Baripada: A poaching attempt inside Similipal sanctuary was foiled after an AI camera deployed in Similipal South Wildlife Division captured images of suspects, leading to the arrest of three persons.
The enforcement team led by the Assistant Conservator of Forests acted swiftly and apprehended the accused. During the operation, four country-made guns were seized from the three accused persons. In a subsequent house search, an old spotted deer antler was also recovered from the house of one of the poachers.
The arrested persons have been forwarded to the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Baripada. After rejection of bail, they have been sent to judicial remand for violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Further investigation is underway to arrest another poacher linked to the case. A separate case will also be registered against the offenders at the jurisdictional police station for violation under the Arms Act, 1972.
The accused have been identified as Mahadev Singh (24), Sunaram Singh and Gora Singh of Kuliana area in Mayurbhanj district.
Officials said the use of AI cameras inside the sanctuary helped in early detection and quick action by the enforcement team, preventing wildlife crime in the protected area.
