Nine suspected poachers arrested in two Assam operations
Forest officials recovered firearms and ammunition during separate raids in the Sonitpur and Jorhat districts.
Forest officials arrested nine suspected poachers during two separate operations in the Sonitpur and Jorhat districts of Assam, according to The Assam Tribune on Tuesday.
In the Sonitpur district, a team led by Kalamati Forest Range Officer arrested five suspects, identified as Hapan Soren, Tala Soren, Monty Murmu, Chamato Soren and Mangal Hasda, from the Gelgeli forest area within the Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary. Officials recovered a homemade gun and various sharp weapons from the group, who have been sent to judicial custody.
In Jorhat, forest officials apprehended four suspected rhino poachers in the Hatishal area of Teok after receiving intelligence. One of the suspects was injured during the operation after being attacked by a rhinoceros. The suspects, who come from Gohpur, Narayanpur and Jajimukh, were tracked to the Barluit forest.
Two rifles and live ammunition were seized during the Jorhat operation. A forest official stated that the suspects had been staying in the chapori area for several days, causing concern among local residents regarding the presence of elephants, tigers, deer and rhinos.
Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said on social media that the arrests serve as a message against wildlife crime. He noted that wildlife conservation remains a priority for the government and emphasized the need for vigilance in areas where rhinos move.
Forest personnel suspect additional individuals may be involved in the poaching activities, as the arrested suspects indicated others might be present.