Poacher Nabbed in Similipal Tiger Reserve, Wildlife Arms and Meat Seized

Baripada: In a major action against wildlife crime, the Similipal Tiger Protection Force (STPF), in coordination with officials of the Pithabata South Wildlife Range, apprehended a poacher during a joint combing operation inside the Similipal Tiger Reserve.

Forest officials said the illegal poaching activity involved a group of five persons. While four suspects managed to escape, one poacher—identified as Masi Aleya of Gopinathpur village under Astakuanr Gram Panchayat in Mayurbhanj district’s Jashipur police station limits—was caught red-handed at the spot.

During the operation, the forest team seized around 25 kilograms of freshly cut wild pig meat, along with seven blood-stained arrows, two bows, and one blood-stained axe, all of which are banned under wildlife protection laws.

A case has been registered at the Pithabata Wildlife Range under multiple sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, including Sections 2, 9, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 35, 39, 48A, and 52.

The accused was arrested and later remanded to judicial custody after his bail plea was rejected, officials confirmed.

Forest authorities said further investigation is underway, and efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the remaining absconding poachers involved in the incident.