two-suspected-poachers-held-in-kaziranga-anti-rhino-operation

Two suspected poachers were arrested and firearms seized during a joint anti-rhino poaching operation conducted by forest officials and police in the Agaratoli Range of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, officials said on Thursday.

 

The operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs indicating a possible attempt to carry out poaching activities inside the protected area.

 

According to forest officials, personnel from the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, led by the Divisional Forest Officer and the Range Officer, joined hands with Golaghat Police to carry out the operation in the Agaratoli Range. The police contingent was headed by the Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime), Golaghat, with support from the Circle Deputy Superintendent of Police, Bokakhat, and other security personnel.

 

During the raid, the joint team intercepted two suspects before they could allegedly enter the national park to carry out poaching activities.

 

Also read: Kaziranga hosts 45 pc of India’s raptor species, survey finds

 

The arrested individuals were identified as Jintu Orang (40), a resident of Geleki village in Golaghat district, and Sarbang Ranghang (31) of Dolamara Langmang Ranghang village in Karbi Anglong district.

 

Officials said two handmade rifles were recovered from the accused during the operation. A motorcycle allegedly being used by the duo was also seized.

 

The suspects have been taken into custody and are being questioned. Investigators are examining whether they are linked to a larger poaching network operating in and around Kaziranga.

 

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the world's largest population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros and remains one of India's most important wildlife conservation areas.

 

Forest and security agencies have intensified anti-poaching operations across the park in recent years, using surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordinated field operations to curb illegal hunting and protect wildlife.

 

Officials said investigations are continuing and further action will be taken based on the findings.