Poacher Arrested Inside Similipal National Park with Gun and Dead Hare

Baripada: Forest officials arrested a poacher inside Similipal National Park in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district after he was caught with a handmade firearm, ammunition, and a dead Indian hare during a night patrol.

Acting on specific intelligence, a team from the Pithabata North Wildlife Range, led by the Range Officer, was conducting routine patrolling under the Balidiha Beat on April 14. During the evening operation, the team heard a gunshot and noticed a suspicious light source deep inside the sanctuary.

Upon searching the area, officials apprehended the accused and seized a handmade gun along with 14 cycle balls, 12 lead balls, around 5 grams each of black and white gunpowder, a yellow plastic bag, and an orange-coloured torch. The team also recovered a dead Indian hare (Lepus nigricollis) weighing approximately 1.5 kg.

The accused has been identified as Bhagabat Marndi, alias Bhukla, a resident of Asanbani village under Kuliana Police Station in Mayurbhanj district.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused violated several provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, including sections related to hunting, prohibition of hunting, unauthorised entry into a sanctuary, and possession of weapons within protected areas. The offences are punishable under Section 51 of the Act.

Following his arrest, the accused was produced before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) in Baripada and has been remanded to judicial custody. Officials said further investigation is underway.

Forest authorities have urged local residents to cooperate in protecting the biodiversity of the sanctuary and to report any suspicious activities.