Sniffer Dog Helps Arrest 4 Poachers Near Kaziranga | Guwahati News - Times of India
Source: The Times of India
Author: Kangkan Kalita
Guwahati: Four poachers, allegedly involved in the hunting of a hog deer, a Schedule I endangered species under Wildlife (Protection) Act, have been apprehended by the forest force near Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) with the help of specialised skills of the department's sniffer dog, Leon, officials said on Thursday.
On January 2, an alarming report surfaced regarding the illicit pursuit and hunting of a hog deer (Axis porcinus) a Schedule I endangered species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and as amended Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022. Schedule I species need rigorous protection. The animal was found dead in the vicinity of 1 no. Koilakhat village in Bokakhat on the fringes of KNPTR.
Acting promptly on receipt of this crucial information, the park authority said in a statement that the diligent efforts of the range officer, Bokakhat, in conjunction with investigating officer Rohan Gogoi, and a team of 10 armed personnel, were immediately mobilised to the scene.
"On arrival, the team discovered the fresh carcass of the hog deer, evidencing a recent kill by the perpetrators, identified as poachers. Employing the specialized skills of the departmental sniffer dog, Leon, we successfully traced the escape path of the poachers.
Along this trail, items of interest were recovered, including an iron spear believed to be the murder weapon, a bamboo stick and a distinctive grey-coloured cap," read the statement.
Following a meticulous pursuit, officials said the suspected poachers tried to escape through a bushy outgrowth resembling forest cover, eventually leading towards Diflu tea estate. "In a commendable display of swift action, one suspect, Piyoli Kheriya of Kheriya Gaon, was apprehended. Subsequent interrogation revealed his direct involvement in the poaching incident, along with divulgence of his accomplices' identities," said the statement.
Three accused -- Maina Munda, Chaban Gorh, and Bhula Uriya, all residents of Kheriya village -- directly implicated in the hog deer's killing, were apprehnended on Wednesday. Piyoli Kheriya has been remanded in forest custody, awaiting further legal procedures, while the other three were presented in court on Thursday.
"This swift and decisive action reflects the unwavering commitment of the authorities to combat illegal wildlife activities. The collaborative efforts between law enforcement agency and the community remain pivotal in safeguarding the precious fauna and upholding the sanctity of protected areas like Kaziranga National Park," said KNPTR field director Sonali Ghosh.
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