Mayurbhanj: Four persons have been arrested for illegally entering Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary for hunting wild animals, informed Similipal South Wildlife Division.
The arrests were made by staff of the Similipal South Wildlife Division during a proactive enforcement operation.
The arrested persons have been identified as Phaguram Tudu alias Phagu, Ram Chandra Kisku and Ranjan Kisku. All three are residents of Badajunpal. The fourth accused is Biswanath Hansda (65), a resident of Sanjunpal village under Chakradhar gram panchayat
According to officials, the movement of the intruders was first captured on AI-enabled trailguard cameras installed inside the sanctuary. Acting on the inputs, a joint enforcement team including personnel of the Similipal Tiger Protection Force tracked the accused and apprehended them before they could carry out any poaching.
Two country-made guns, gunpowder, two head torches and several other prohibited items were seized from their possession.
Officials said the prompt action helped in preventing wildlife crime inside the protected area. A case has been registered at Podadiha Wildlife Range in connection with the incident. All four accused were produced before a court and remanded to jail custody after their bail petition was denied.
Further investigation into the matter is underway.
