Baripada: Forest department staff belonging to Similipal South and Baripada divisions arrested four wildlife criminals from Khandachira (Manikpur) village under Udala police limits on Wednesday.
According to an official press release, the accused persons have been identified as Sauru Murmu, Nitai Murmu, Mahato Kisku alias Hapna and Thupul Hembram.
Forest department officials have seized one loaded gun, two unloaded gun, one gun barrel and half made wooden butt, explosives (gun powder), bows and arrows, one snare, four Royal Bengal Tiger (RBT) teeth, whiskers, 80 arrows, gunpowder and pellets from their possession during the house raid.
One of the accused Thupul Hembram was arrested following a raid on his house at Khandachira village upon getting lead during interrogation of the other arrestees. Four RBT teeth, whiskers and about 80 arrows along with gunpowder and pellets were seized from his possession.
Mohato Kisku alias Hapna is a notorious poacher, about 2.5 years back and he had poached a Royal Bengal Tiger. Later STF crime branch had seized skin. He was absconding for many days. He’ll be handed over to STF crime branch for further course of action, the release added.
