Former Sarpanch Among 3 Poachers Arrested for Forest Guard Murder in Similipal

Bhubaneswar: Three poachers were arrested on Friday in connection to the killing of a forest guard in Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district. The arrested persons included a former sarpanch. The trio was nabbed by a joint operation by Baripada police and Forest Department officials.

As many as 10 country guns and other arms were seized from the possession of the arrested poachers. One of these poachers was identified as a former sarpanch Buddhadeb Singh. The other two were Sukalal Marndi and Dugul Singh.

A group of poachers allegedly shot dead the 35-year-old forest guard Bimal Kumar Jena on Monday while he was on patrolling duty in the bordering areas of Similipal Tiger Reserve. As many as 13 persons were suspected to be involved in this killing. The joint combing operation continues to arrest all other culprits involved in the forest guard murder.