Nilagiri (Balasore): The Kuldiha Forest Division has intensified its crackdown on wildlife poaching, leading to the arrest of three persons and the seizure of elephant tusks during a late-night operation on Thursday.
According to forest department officials, two persons (brothers)—Madhabananda Patra and Sudam Patra of Nuasahi village under Mangalpur area—and Gayadhar Behera of Raypitambar Barisahi village were apprehended around midnight within the jurisdiction of Soro police station.
Forest officials claimed that three elephant tusks were seized from the accused. The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into organised poaching networks involved in the killing of wild animals—particularly elephants—and the processing of tusks, bones and other body parts to manufacture fake ivory, which is allegedly sold to traders at high prices. Officials also said the racket includes the illegal sale of wild animal meat.
“The trail of this case is extensive, and more people are involved. The investigation is ongoing,” a forest department official said, adding that 25 poachers linked to this network have been arrested so far.
However, the families of the arrested men have denied the recovery of elephant tusks or any weapons, alleging that the accused were picked up without evidence and subjected to severe physical torture while in custody. They claimed that the arrests were made arbitrarily and demanded an impartial inquiry into the alleged custodial excesses.
Forest officials have refuted the allegations, maintaining that the arrests and seizures were carried out following due procedure and that the accused were produced before court and sent to judicial custody.
The Kuldiha Forest Division has been stepping up enforcement efforts in recent months amid growing concerns over elephant poaching and illegal wildlife trade in the region.
