Baripada, Dec 12: Five poachers have been arrested from Similipal National Park in a significant crackdown by forest officials, utilizing advanced scientific tools and the Similipal Wildlife Intelligence Network to track them down.

The arrested men are Veerasingh Ho (33), Charan Ho (43), Chhale Ho (23), Sagar Ho (29), and Sukra Ho (32) are all residents of Dengam and Jadidara villages under Khunta police limits in Mayurbhanj district. Following their arrest, officials seized various materials from their possession, including two torchlights, seven snares, one gun barrel, 535 grams of dried venison, a polythene sheet, and a carry bag. Additionally, a 130 cm country-made gun, along with two lead bullets and 14 cycle balls used as ammunition, was recovered from one of their homes.

The poachers had reportedly entered the southern forest division of the Similipal Tiger Reserve, armed and ready to hunt wildlife. AI-enabled cameras placed throughout the reserve captured images of the poachers, alerting authorities to their activities. Upon receiving the information, Samrat Gowda, the Deputy Director of the project, instructed the field staff to track down the suspects.

A raid was conducted by a team led by the Jenabil ranger in Jadidara village on December 9, resulting in the seizure of the poaching materials. A case has been filed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the accused were presented before the SDJM Court in Baripada. Furthermore, a separate case under the Arms Act has been registered following the recovery of the gun.

Authorities have confirmed that further investigation is ongoing to apprehend all involved in this illegal poaching activity.