GUWAHATI: In a significant breakthrough against wildlife crime, authorities in Assam have apprehended a notorious rhino poacher identified as Hanif Ali.
The arrest, conducted in a joint operation by the Forest Department, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), and Assam Police, marks a decisive blow against illegal networks involved in the illicit trade of animal body parts.
Ali, a repeat offender implicated in multiple rhino poaching cases, was captured in the Bharali Chapori area of Sonitpur district, North Assam.
Officials seized various animal body parts, including a rhino horn, from his possession, signalling a major victory in the fight against wildlife trafficking.
B Piraisoodan, the divisional forest officer (DFO) of the Western Assam Wildlife Division, said that the efforts are underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the rhino’s death and horn removal.
“”Two other poachers and illicit traders were there, but they managed to escape. Animal remains have been found, along with additional evidence. To apprehend them, a manhunt has been initiated,” Piraisoodan said,” he told a national news agency.
This arrest follows a similar incident in January, where another rhino poacher was detained along with an AK-47 rifle used in poaching activities, underlining the persistent efforts of law enforcement agencies to curb wildlife crime in the region.
The crackdown comes in response to Assam’s first rhino poaching incident of 2024, discovered on January 22 at Kaziranga National Park, involving the carcass of an adult female rhino with a missing horn.
Prompt action by law enforcement led to the apprehension of the perpetrator within four days, demonstrating a swift and decisive response to such heinous crimes.
