Four Poachers Arrested in Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Firearms and Wild Birds Seized

Balasore, April 27: Forest officials in Nilgiri, Balasore arrested four poachers—Mayadhar Singh, Budhia Singh, Sohan Singh, and Manguli Singh—during a raid inside the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.

Acting on a tip‑off, the team seized locally made firearms, sharp hunting tools, torchlights, mobile phones, and six wild birds from the accused.

The arrests were made under the Wildlife Protection Act, with a case registered (No. 01 of 2026‑27).

The accused were produced before the Nilgiri court after a preliminary investigation.

Officials revealed that the group had been active for weeks, targeting vulnerable wildlife zones.

The Forest Department has announced intensified patrolling and urged locals to report suspicious activities.

The rescued birds will be handed over to the forest veterinary unit for care.

Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity, has long faced threats from poaching.

The arrests highlight the department’s commitment to safeguarding Odisha’s wildlife heritage.