Leopard Poaching Attempt Foiled in Debrigarh; Two Accused Arrested, Surveillance Intensified

Acting on intelligence inputs, a joint team comprising forest personnel and police launched a coordinated search operation across several villages located on the fringes of the sanctuary.

The operation led to the arrest of two individuals allegedly involved in planning the poaching of a leopard within the protected area.

During the raids, officials seized multiple hunting and trapping materials, including animal traps, cages, hunting nets, electric hooking wires, and cable wires believed to have been intended for illegal wildlife hunting activities.

Authorities suspect that traps had already been laid inside the sanctuary targeting a leopard. Investigators are also examining whether the accused have links to previous wildlife crimes in the region.

Speaking on the operation, forest officials emphasised that protecting wildlife remains a top priority and warned that stringent action would be taken against offenders involved in poaching and illegal hunting activities.

To strengthen wildlife protection efforts, the Forest Department has intensified surveillance measures in and around Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Advanced monitoring equipment, including metal detectors and electricity-detection devices, is being deployed, while patrols and intelligence-based operations have been increased.

The department has also appealed to local residents to support conservation efforts by reporting suspicious activities, announcing a cash reward for credible information related to wildlife poaching.

Officials assured that the identity of informants would remain confidential.

The successful operation highlights Odisha’s continued commitment to safeguarding its rich biodiversity and protecting vulnerable wildlife species from poaching threats.