Poaching Crackdown Continues: Illegal Firearms Seized in Similipal Tiger Reserve

Mayurbhanj: In an effort to eliminate poaching activities in the Similipal Tiger Reserve, a special drive was launched, resulting in two recent cases of firearm recovery. The Khunta police, acting on intelligence, conducted search operations in various villages, including Tunki, Rangamatia, Kusumghati, Dengam, Baniabasa, and Jadidar in the Mayurbhanj district.

During the operation, eight country-made guns (SBML) and one country-made small firearm were seized from the jungle near Tunki and Baniabasa. The firearms were hidden by unidentified individuals. The Khunta police registered two separate cases (No-212 and No-213, both dated: 28.07.2023, U/s-25 of the Arms Act) and initiated detailed investigations.

Under the direction of the Mayurbhanj SP, the Khunta police team, led by IIC Lopamudra Nayak, successfully carried out the raid and recovered the illegal firearms. As part of the initiative, poachers possessing illegal firearms have been given until July 31 to surrender their weapons to the local police. This deadline applies to villages falling under 12 police stations in the region. Failure to comply will result in stringent legal actions against those in illegal possession.

Since the commencement of the massive drive on June 18, significant progress has been made, with the police recovering approximately 32 country-made guns and apprehending 20 poachers in connection with 10 different cases in the district. It is worth noting that only one individual has voluntarily submitted their weapon to the Baripada Sadar police.