Rhino poaching bid in Kaziranga foiled, one poacher shot dead

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 11, 2024

Forest personnel guarding the world-famous Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) foiled an attempt of a group of poachers to sneak into the National Park by killing one poacher on the spot.

The incident took place near Erasuti Anti Poaching Camp under Agaratoli Range in the wee hours of Saturday.

“While one poacher was killed, three of the gang are believed to be sheltered in the thick forest of the national park. The search operation continued to trace out the entire member of the gang,” KNPTR field director Sonali Ghosh told a reporter.

“A modified .303 rifle and five live cartridges were also recovered from the slain poacher. The weapon is usually used for poaching of rhinos, Ghosh said.

The body of the slain poacher is yet to be identified.

“Based on intelligence inputs regarding poachers trying to sneak into the National Park, forest personnel have strengthened their patrolling and surveillance activities along its boundary. Yesterday, patrolling and surveillance parties were stationed along the border areas from Eastern Assam Wildlife and Biswanath Wildlife Divisions. In the early morning hours of today, a patrolling party stationed near Erasuti Anti Poaching Camp under Agaratoli Range intercepted a few unknown persons on foot. When challenged a fierce gun battle broke out on both sides,” Ghosh also said. 

“Today morning, the forest guards searched the area and recovered the body of the poacher. A modification.303 rifle and live ammunition were also recovered upon him,” Ghosi further said.  

Currently, the entire area is being combed to trace out any further evidence with the help of Assam Police.

“This is the first successful case of preventing crime against wildlife after six years. The last poacher killed to prevent crime was in 2017,” Ghosh added.