GUWAHATI: A joint operation conducted by the Forest Department of Chirang district in Assam and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has led to the arrest of three poachers along the India-Bhutan border, on August 13.
Identified as Biren Narzary, Noweswar Basumatary, and Nal Bahadur Magar from Jaipur Malibhita in Chirang district, rhino body parts, arms, and ammunition, were recovered from their possession.
Various rhino body parts, including claws and hide, along with a hand-made pistol and bullets have been seized from the arrested individuals and the detainees have reportedly admitted to their involvement in the poaching of two rhinos at the Manas National Park, the reports in local press revealed.
The operation leading to these arrests was meticulously executed under the supervision of Forest Officer Kameshwar Boro and Koklabari Beat Officer Dipank Das. During the operation, the poachers sustained bullet injuries to their back and hands. Following their apprehension, they were transported to Barpeta Medical College for medical treatment.
On July 31, the discovery of a one-horned rhino’s carcass at the Park on July 31 had ignited a heated debate between conflicting reports, raising concerns about the safety of wildlife in the region. The carcass was found in the Kahitama Beat of the Bhabari range, and while park officials believe the rhino may have succumbed to injuries from a fight with another rhino, local residents suspect a darker truth – poaching.
Earlier in June, two poachers were injured during a confrontation at the Manas National Park. The injured individuals, identified as Dharmendra Vari and Gopal Bahadur Magar, were engaged in illegal activities within the Musalpur Division area of the park.
Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Sire, stands out for its unique and endangered endemic species, including the Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur, and pygmy hog.
