Assam Forest Officials Capture Nine Suspected Poachers in Major Operations
Significant Arrests in Assam's Wildlife Protection Efforts
Forest officials in Jorhat apprehended four suspected rhino poachers in the Hatishal region of Teok (Image Source)
Sonitpur/Jorhat, Nov 10: In a significant crackdown, forest officials detained nine individuals suspected of poaching during two separate operations in Assam's Sonitpur and Jorhat districts. The authorities recovered firearms, ammunition, and sharp weapons, as reported on Tuesday.
In the Sonitpur district, five suspected poachers were arrested in the secluded Gelgeli forest area, which is part of the Sonai-Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary. This operation was led by the Kalamati Forest Range Officer and his team.
The suspects have been identified as Hapan Soren, Tala Soren, Monty Murmu, Chamato Soren, and Mangal Hasda. Reports indicate that a homemade firearm and various sharp weapons were found in their possession.
These individuals are believed to be involved in poaching activities within the sanctuary and have since been placed in judicial custody.
Meanwhile, in Jorhat, four suspected rhino poachers were apprehended in the Hatishal area of Teok, following intelligence reports regarding their presence in the forest.
During the operation, one suspect reportedly suffered injuries from an encounter with a rhinoceros.
Officers from the Teok and Lahdoigarh police stations also arrived at the scene as the operation progressed.
The arrested individuals hail from various locations in Assam, including Gohpur, Narayanpur, and Jajimukh.
A forest official noted that the suspects had been residing in the chapori area for several days, causing alarm among local residents due to their activities in the wildlife habitat.
“These poachers have been in this chapori for an extended period. With elephants, tigers, deer, and rhinos in the vicinity, their presence has raised concerns among the locals. After persistent efforts, we managed to apprehend them,” the official stated.
During the operation, two rifles and live ammunition were seized. Forest personnel suspect that additional individuals may be involved in the poaching, as the arrested suspects hinted at the presence of others.
Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah commented on the arrests, reaffirming the government's dedication to safeguarding Assam's one-horned rhinoceros and emphasizing the importance of wildlife conservation.
“Acting on specific intelligence, forest officials captured the four suspects from the dense forests of Barluit. Preliminary reports indicate that one of the arrested individuals was injured by a rhinoceros. Personnel from Teok and Lahdoigarh police stations have also been deployed, and operations are ongoing…” he shared on social media.
Mallabaruah characterized the operation as a decisive message against wildlife crime and highlighted the necessity for vigilance and robust protection, especially in regions frequented by rhinos.