Baripada, April 11: In a significant crackdown on illegal hunting, five poachers were arrested after being captured on AI-enabled surveillance cameras inside the Similipal forest.

The incident occurred in the Podadih Range within the core area of Similipal, where the accused had allegedly entered the forest for hunting. Forest officials received alerts after the movement of the poachers was detected by AI cameras installed in the area.

Acting swiftly, the Podadih Forest Department, in coordination with Kaptipada Police, conducted a raid in the Sarat Katuria area and apprehended all five accused from their residences.

During the operation, officials seized three country-made guns, along with ammunition and traditional hunting weapons such as bows and arrows.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Mahendra Murmu, Dama Soren, Laxman Murmu, Ramjeet Murmu, and Meghnad Murmu, all residents of Katuria village. Authorities have initiated further investigation into the matter.