Nine suspected poachers arrested in two Assam operations
Forest officials recovered firearms and ammunition during separate raids in Sonitpur and Jorhat districts.
Forest officials arrested nine suspected poachers during two separate operations in Assam’s Sonitpur and Jorhat districts, according to The Assam Tribune. The raids resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and sharp weapons.
In the Sonitpur operation, a team led by Kalamati Forest Range Officer arrested five suspects, identified as Hapan Soren, Tala Soren, Monty Murmu, Chamato Soren, and Mangal Hasda. The arrests took place in the Gelgeli forest area of the Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary. Officials recovered a homemade gun and several sharp weapons from the group, who have been sent to judicial custody.
In Jorhat, forest officials arrested four suspected rhino poachers in the Hatishal area of Teok after receiving intelligence. One of the suspects was injured during the operation when a rhinoceros attacked him. The suspects, who come from Gohpur, Narayanpur, and Jajimukh, were tracked to the Barluit forest.
A forest official stated that the suspects had been staying in the chapori area for several days, causing concern among residents due to the presence of elephants, tigers, deer, and rhinos. Two rifles and live ammunition were seized during the Jorhat raid. Officials believe more people may be involved in the poaching activities.
Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah said on social media that the arrests serve as a message against wildlife crime. He stated that wildlife conservation remains a priority for the government.