Baripada: In a significant crackdown on wildlife crime, the Similipal Tiger Protection Force (STPF), along with staff of the Pithabata South Wildlife Range, apprehended a poacher red-handed during a joint combing operation inside the Similipal Tiger Reserve.
According to forest officials, the illegal poaching activity was carried out by a group of five persons. While four of the accused managed to flee the spot, one poacher identified as Masi Aleya of Gopinathpur village under Astakuanr Gram Panchayat, Jashipur Police Station in Mayurbhanj district, was apprehended on the spot.
During the operation, forest personnel seized approximately 25 kilograms of freshly cut wild pig meat, along with seven blood-stained arrows, two bows, and one blood-stained axe, all of which are prohibited under wildlife protection laws.
A case has been registered at the Pithabata Wildlife Range for violations under Sections 2, 9, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 35, 39, 48A, and 52 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
The accused was arrested and later forwarded to judicial custody after his bail plea was rejected, officials said.
Forest authorities stated that further investigation is underway, and efforts are being intensified to trace and arrest the remaining absconding poachers involved in the incident.
