Baripada: An AI-powered camera alert enabled the Similipal Tiger Protection Force (STPF) to intercept and arrest two armed poachers on June 8, thwarting their attempt to enter the core area of the tiger reserve.
According to Samrat Gowda, Deputy Director (South) of Similipal Reserve Forest, the STPF acted on real-time intelligence indicating that a group of 5–6 armed persons from Khashijharan village near Sarat were illegally entering the reserve.
During a confrontation, two poachers—identified as Jandok Sing (33) and Ladura Sing (45), both residents of Kasijharan village—were apprehended.
The STPF seized one SBML handmade gun, a bow, two arrows, and other contraband from the duo. The arrested individuals were presented before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) in Baripada today. Following the rejection of their bail plea, both were remanded to judicial custody.
Gowda confirmed that efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining absconding poachers and recover their firearms.
The operation marked the termination of a “sure shot poaching event” due to the STPF’s swift response.
