Baripada: Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) officials have arrested 13 individuals on charges of poaching within the reserve.
The arrests, made on Monday, were based on an AI camera alert received last Tuesday. All accused have been remanded to judicial custody.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Hari Bansingh, Chandra Mohan Saya, Dhaneswar Saya, and Budhuram Sijui from Ranibhal village; Bajay Badra, Hinduram Badra, Jayram Badra, Khejuri Badra, and Mangal Badra from Anlakata village; Dumbi Gundua, Pagu Marndi, and Mangal Alda from Dudhiani village; and Gurucharan Kerai from Ramjodi village. All these villages fall under the jurisdiction of Karanjia police station in Mayurbhanj district, informed Samrat Gowda, Deputy Director (South), Similipal Tiger Reserve.
During the operation, STR officials seized 13 bows, 33 arrows, and one handmade gun from the accused, Gowda added.
