Baripada: In a major breakthrough in the Similipal black tiger poaching case, the most wanted accused, Rabindra Naik (24) of Kasikundal village under Ambikadeipur postal limits in Mayurbhanj district, was arrested on Sunday.
According to an official press note, Naik, identified as the mastermind behind the high-profile case, had been absconding since the incident came to light.
In a challenging interstate operation, the accused was traced to Gujarat. With coordinated efforts involving the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) Central Region, Bhopal, and Odisha’s own intelligence network, Naik was persuaded to return to Baripada, where he was subsequently arrested.
During the investigation, the firearm used to kill the tiger was recovered. Forensic teams extracted fingerprints from the crime scene, confirming Naik’s involvement. Additionally, four tiger claws were seized from his possession.
Naik was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) on May 5, and his bail plea was rejected, following which he was remanded to judicial custody.
So far, 11 individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, while four others remain absconding. A Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) has already been issued by the court against the absconders, and forest officials have assured that efforts are underway to apprehend them soon.
The arrest marks a significant step forward in cracking down on illegal wildlife trade and protecting endangered species in Similipal Tiger Reserve, which is home to one of the few known melanistic (black) tigers in the world.
