Villager’s quick action saves barking deer in Meghalaya; one poacher arrested with illegal gun

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 18, 2024

A vigilant villager from Chyrmang thwarted an attempted poaching in the Community Forest, renowned for its barking deer, by apprehending a suspected poacher near the village.

The incident occured on May 14, just a few kilometers from Jowai, headquarter of West Jaintia Hills District. Alert to the movements of poachers in the forest area, the villagers successfully caught one of the suspects.

According to the villager, the apprehended poacher, identified as Bok Kynjing from Panaliar, Jowai, was found with an illegal improvised silencer gun in his possession.

Meanwhile, the other poacher managed to flee the scene on a motorcycle. Villagers suspected that both individuals are skilled gunsmiths, heightening concerns about their potential involvement in illegal wildlife activities.

“This is the first successful instance of preventing a wildlife crime in our community,” said the villager.

The incident was promptly reported to the Jowai Police Station and the Forest Department (Wildlife Division) with an FIR lodged at Jowai Police Station.

The Superintendent of Police, West Jaintia Hills District confirmed that a case has been registered, the accused has been arrested and an investigation is underway.