Three Poachers Held, Five Guns Seized Using AI Cameras in Kuldiha Sanctuary

Balasore: In a major breakthrough, forest officials in Balasore district have arrested three poachers and seized five country-made guns with the help of AI-enabled cameras installed inside the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.

The AI cameras, deployed as part of the ongoing tiger census, captured images of the suspects moving inside the protected forest area. Based on the footage, forest officials were able to identify and track the poachers, leading to their arrest.

The accused, residents of Betei village under Oupada block and Narsingsila village, were apprehended during a joint operation conducted by Soro Forest Officer Harihar Majhi and the Kuldiha Range Officer. During subsequent searches, forest personnel recovered five country-made firearms that had been concealed inside the forest.

Forest officials said the successful operation highlights the effectiveness of advanced surveillance technology in curbing wildlife crimes and strengthening protection measures in forest areas.

The arrested poachers will be produced before a court later today for further legal proceedings.