Authorities in Assam have recovered Royal Bengal Tiger bones and detained five individuals in connection with a suspected poaching case near Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, highlighting the persistent threat to the state’s wildlife.
The operation, conducted by officials from the Biswanath Wildlife Division, led to the detention of Eilaram Doley, Ripun Pegu, Kerani Kaman, Pulish Kutum, and Depen Pegu of Simaluguri Baligaon, Gohpur. The group was reportedly attempting to sell tiger bones and is being investigated for possible links to previous rhino-poaching networks.
Forest officials said intelligence had indicated the movement of wildlife trophies across the Gohpur-Biswanath area, prompting the operation.
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“The recovered tiger bones may be connected to organised networks previously involved in rhino poaching,” said an Assam Forest Department spokesperson. Questioning of the five suspects is ongoing to trace potential links to older poaching syndicates.
Assam has witnessed a spate of wildlife crimes over the past decades, particularly targeting rhinos and tigers. Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, already a focal point for tiger conservation, has seen sporadic incidents of illegal wildlife trade, with poachers often targeting species for high-value body parts such as bones and skins. Conservationists warn that such crimes not only threaten species survival but also undermine regional anti-poaching efforts.
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