Athagarh, Jan 29: The Forest Department has arrested a man for setting traps to hunt wild animals in the Balikiari protected forest area. During a joint search operation, the authorities also seized materials used in trapping.

According to reports, a group of ten unidentified individuals was attempting to poach wildlife in the area when a patrolling officer successfully apprehended one of them. The arrested person has been identified as 33-year-old Kabul Pradhan from Balikiari. Forest officials recovered a GI wire, which had been used to set traps, from his possession.

The operation was conducted jointly by staff from the Narsinghpur Forest Division and the Satkosia Wildlife Division of the Purunakot forest range. The accused has been sent to court, confirmed ACF Manoj Patra of Athagarh.

The Forest Department has urged locals to report any suspicious activity in protected areas to prevent wildlife poaching.