Arrest Made in Black Tiger Poaching Case: Suspect Captured in Gujarat

Suspected Poacher Apprehended

Baripada: Authorities have apprehended a suspected poacher believed to be responsible for the death of a black tiger in the Similipal reserve. The arrest took place in Gujarat, as confirmed by forest officials on Tuesday.

The suspect was taken into custody on May 4, aided by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB).

In January, the skin of a melanistic tiger was discovered in the reserve, with reports indicating that the animal had been shot in the outskirts of the protected area.

The individual, identified as 24-year-old Rabindra Naik from Kasikundal village in Mayurbhanj district, had been evading capture since the incident.

An official stated, "The suspect was tracked down in Gujarat, and with assistance from the WCCB Central Region in Bhopal and our intelligence network, we successfully arrested him."

The firearm used in the tiger's killing was recovered, and a fingerprint was obtained to establish Naik's connection to the crime.

Additionally, four tiger claws were found in his possession. Naik was presented in court in Baripada on Monday and has been remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.

To date, 11 individuals have been arrested in connection with this case, while four remain at large.