Armed poacher shot dead in Kaziranga during anti-poaching operation

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 21, 2025

An armed poacher was shot dead on Wednesday afternoon during a joint operation by the Commando Action Group near Duramari Anti-Poaching Camp (APC) in the Agaratoli Range of Kaziranga National Park.

The encounter occurred around 12:45 PM, following intelligence inputs about the movement of suspected poachers inside the protected area. The identity of the deceased is yet to be confirmed. A .303 rifle was recovered from the scene.

Kaziranga National Park Director Sonali Ghosh issued a statement confirming the operation. “Based on inputs received on the movement of armed poachers inside the Agaratoli Range, all anti-poaching camps and commando teams were activated early Wednesday to cordon off exit routes and comb the area,” she said.

The suspected poacher was neutralized during a standoff with forest protection forces near Duramari APC.

Ghosh added that search operations are ongoing to locate and apprehend any accomplices. Teams from the police, civil administration, and Divisional Forest Officer (EAWL) are on the ground, coordinating as per standard protocol.

Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has long battled threats from poachers targeting its population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros.