Sambalpur: Two poachers were arrested during a night raid on Sunday conducted by the Debrigarh Night Patrol Squad at Lavanitikra village on the foothills of the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, officials said.
Acting on a tip-off, the patrol team apprehended the accused, identified as Surendra Khadia (40) and Rashmi Khadia (30), and later on Monday produced them before a local court.
During the raid, officials seized peacock meat along with hunting equipment, including several traps, clay balls used for hunting, axes, and iron knives from their houses. A synthetic thread trap had also been placed around a peacock nest, indicating a planned attempt to hunt the bird.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the duo had come across the ground-nesting bird’s nest while collecting firewood and allegedly planned to kill the peacock for its meat and sell its feathers. Peacocks typically lay three to four eggs per clutch during the summer season.
Further investigation is underway.
