Baripada: In a major breakthrough against wildlife crime, the Similipal South Wildlife Division has arrested four persons involved in poaching inside the Bhanjabasa Range of Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary in Mayurbhanj district. The operation was aided by advanced AI Trailguard camera technology, which captured crucial photographic evidence of the intruders.
What began as an Unnatural Death (UD) case no. 03B of 2024-25 has now been converted into an Offence Report (OR) case no. 03B of 2025-26. Based on AI camera alerts, the forest team identified the suspects and secured a search warrant to raid their residences. The raids led to the seizure of three handmade guns, four bows, and five arrows.
The accused have been identified as: Randha Alada alias Banta (38); Madan Bari alias Panda (26); Sana Bike Banara alias Makal (21); and Bajay Sinku (50). They all are residents of Bangala Sahi (Dangadiha) under Mahuldiha police limits.
The accused will be produced before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) in Baripada.
Deputy Director of Similipal South Wildlife Division, Samrat Gowda, praised the operation, noting that AI Trailguard cameras have become a crucial tool in combating poaching in the sanctuary. “The technology has strengthened surveillance and helped us act swiftly against offenders,” he said.
Similipal, home to rare species such as the melanistic tiger, elephants, and diverse herbivores, continues to face threats from organized poaching. Officials emphasized that while technology has bolstered monitoring, constant vigilance is required to safeguard the sanctuary’s unique biodiversity.
