Deogarh: In a major crackdown on wildlife crime, the Forest Department on Saturday arrested 11 poachers from the Deogarh forest range for allegedly killing wild boars using live electricity wire traps.
According to officials, the accused had hooked GI wires to an 11kV power line to trap wild animals. The electrocution setup resulted in the death of three wild boars that came into contact with the live wires.
During a night patrol, forest personnel noticed suspicious activity and swiftly conducted a raid, leading to the arrest of the 11 individuals. The team also seized three wild boar carcasses, GI wires, and other poaching equipment from the site.
A case has been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act, and all accused have been forwarded to court for further legal proceedings.
“During checking, our personnel spotted an illegal electrical hookup. Upon further inspection, we found live wires set as traps and 10–11 individuals hiding nearby. Three boar carcasses were recovered from the spot. Two of the arrested poachers already had pending cases against them and were absconding. All have now been produced before the court,” said an official of the Deogarh Forest Department.
Officials have reiterated that strict action will continue against those involved in poaching and other illegal wildlife activities to protect the forest ecosystem.
