Nine Poachers Apprehended at Similipal Tiger Reserve: Security Personnel Seize Homemade Guns and Sambar Meat

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Odisha poachers arrested
2. Similipal wildlife crime

Nine poachers were apprehended at the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district by security personnel. They were found with nine homemade guns and 30 kg of Sambar meat during a patrolling operation. Thirty-two armed poachers managed to escape. The arrested individuals, from villages under Udala police limits, have been charged under the Wildlife Protection Act and the Arms Act. They are currently in judicial custody. The incident has sparked calls for increased vigilance to prevent poaching activities, especially with the Pana Sankranti festival approaching. Authorities are conducting further investigations to arrest the remaining suspects and protect the wildlife in the reserve.

Security Personnel Apprehend Poachers at Similipal Tiger Reserve

In a recent development at the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Mayurbhanj district, security personnel successfully apprehended nine poachers during a patrolling operation on Friday night. The reserve, located in the eastern state of Odisha, is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a variety of endangered species, including the majestic Bengal tiger.

Poaching Incident Unfolds Within the Reserve

The arrested individuals, hailing from villages under the Udala police limits, were caught red-handed with homemade guns and 30 kg of Sambar meat. Despite the efforts of 32 armed poachers to escape, the dedicated forest personnel and the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) managed to capture nine of them within the Jenabil range of the reserve.

Legal Action Taken Against the Poachers

Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the poachers were targeting Sambar deer within the forest for illegal hunting. The nine arrested individuals have been charged under the Wildlife Protection Act and the Arms Act, and have been remanded in judicial custody after their bail application was rejected by the court.

Efforts to Safeguard the Wildlife

Regional chief conservator of forests and field director of STR, Prakash Chand Gogineni, has emphasized the importance of heightened vigilance to prevent such poaching incidents in the future. With the upcoming Pana Sankranti festival, a time when tribal communities traditionally engage in mass hunting, it is crucial to safeguard the park’s wildlife and preserve its natural heritage.

Environmentalists Call for Action

Environmentalists have raised concerns about the increasing threats to wildlife at STR and have called for immediate action to protect the park’s biodiversity. The illegal poaching activities not only endanger the lives of endangered species but also disrupt the delicate ecosystem of the reserve.

As investigations continue to identify and arrest the remaining accused individuals, it is imperative for authorities to take swift action to prevent further incidents of poaching within the Similipal Tiger Reserve. The conservation of wildlife and the protection of their natural habitat should be a top priority for all stakeholders involved in preserving the rich biodiversity of this iconic reserve.