Bhubaneswar: Forest officials on Wednesday seized approximately 20 kg of venison (deer meat) and arrested one person for wildlife poaching in the Bhitarkanika National Park area of Kendrapara district.
The raid was conducted at the Dakhina Mahinsidiha Protected Reserve Forest within the national park’s jurisdiction. Along with the deer meat, officials also recovered a nylon net used by the accused.
According to forest officials, poachers commonly use nylon nets to trap deer inside the protected area. Acting on credible intelligence, a team raided the spot and found that the poachers had allegedly killed a spotted deer using the net.
Investigations revealed that the arrested individual belongs to a group active in wildlife poaching in the region. He is reportedly an experienced hunter known for targeting wild boar and various deer species.
The accused has been booked under Sections 9, 27, 29, and 35 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Further investigation is underway to track down other members of the poaching gang.
