Poachers Fire at Forest Officials, 2 Injured in Kuladiha Sanctuary in Balasore Dist

Balasore: Two forest officials were seriously injured when poachers fired at them inside the Kuladiha Sanctuary near Panchalingeswar Beat in Balasore district late Monday night.

Another forest official in the team had a lucky escape. According to reports, the Kuladiha Forest Department arrested two poachers in this connection.

The targeted forest officials were patrolling the area on Monday night following information that some poachers were active in the area. At around 2 am, the team of forest officials tracked down the poachers. When the forest officials tried to capture the poachers, the miscreants opened fire at them.

Two of the forest officials were hit by the bullets of the poachers. They were rushed to a nearby hospital. After first aid, both were shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sushant Nanda wrote on X, “Kuldiha Range, Balasore Division came across two poachers inside Kuldiha Sanctuary. They have been arrested. Two staff were injured when fired upon. They are out of danger. Praying for their early recovery. Salutations to the team.”