Guwahati, Aug 14: In a joint operation, the Forest Department of Chirang district of Assam and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) arrested three rhino poachers along the India-Bhutan border yesterday.
The operation team recovered rhino body parts, arms, and ammunition, from their possession.
The poachers were identified as Biran Narzary (30) of Joypur, Noweswar Basumatary (40) of Laopara, and Nal Bahadur Magar (28) from No. 2 Malibhita in Chirang district. They are suspected to be involved in the recent incidents of rhino poaching in Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Various rhino body parts, including claws and hide, along with a hand-made pistol and bullets were seized from the arrested individuals. They have confessed to their involvement in the poaching of rhinos in Manas National Park.
This morning four ivories were also recovered from these poachers.
The operation leading to these arrests was meticulously executed under the supervision of Forest Officer Kameshwar Boro and Koklabari Beat Officer Dipank Das. During the operation, the poachers sustained bullet injuries on their back and hands. Following their apprehension, they were transported to Barpeta Medical College for medical treatment.
On July 31, the discovery of carcass of a one-horned rhino at the Park had serious concerns about the safety of wildlife in the region. The carcass was found in the Kahitama Beat of the Bhabari range, and while park officials believe the rhino may have succumbed to injuries from a fight with another rhino, local residents suspected poaching.
Earlier in June, two poachers were injured during a confrontation at the Manas National Park. The injured individuals, identified as Dharmendra Vari and Gopal Bahadur Magar, were engaged in illegal activities within the Musalpur Division area of the park.
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who had declare a tirade against rhino poaching, has deputed Assam Police DIG (Special Tast Force) Partha Sarothi Mahanta to Chirang following the apprehension of the poachers.
The senior police officials informed media in Chirang that the arrested poacher had confessed to have killed three rhinos since June this year and already had succeeded in selling one rhino horn weighing 7,400 gms.
The forest department and Assam Police have got information about involvement of five other criminals from Malibhita area in rhino poaching in Manasa National Park and launched operation to nab them all.