Poachers have killed two chitals in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) and stolen a rifle from a forest guard, according to police reports.
The incident occurred overnight from Friday to Saturday.
Forest officials reported the poaching after gunshots were heard in the Mal Range of the reserve.
PTR Deputy Director Manish Singh informed Superintendent of Police (SP) Avinash Pandey, who confirmed that the assailants arrived on motorcycles and were seen fleeing the scene after the attack.
A Forest Department patrol discovered chital meat in the jungle, indicating recent poaching activity. During the incident, a poacher, who had climbed a tree, seised a rifle from forest guard Jitendra Singh before escaping.
An extensive manhunt is underway, with police teams from neighbouring stations working alongside the Forest Department to locate and apprehend the suspects.
The area is being thoroughly searched as authorities seek to bring the poachers to justice and recover the stolen firearm.
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