Poacher Held in Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary; Firearm and Mouse Deer Seized
Balasore: A suspected poacher was arrested during a late-night anti-poaching operation in Odisha’s Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary after forest officials recovered two dead mouse deer and a country-made firearm from his possession.
According to forest department sources, wildlife personnel heard gunshots near the Sataghati Dam area around 11:30 pm and immediately suspected illegal hunting activity inside the sanctuary.
Acting on the information, a joint team from the Kuldiha and Tenda wildlife units launched a coordinated operation and laid an ambush behind the dam.
The operation culminated at around 3:30 am when forest officials intercepted a group of suspects.
While several individuals managed to flee under the cover of darkness, one person was apprehended on the spot.
The accused was identified as Purnachandra Singh (33) of Tenda village under Nilagiri Block.
During the search, officials seized two dead mouse deer and a handmade firearm allegedly used for hunting.
A case has been registered at the Kuldiha Wildlife Range Office, and efforts are underway to trace and arrest the other suspects involved in the poaching activity.
The accused was later produced before the SDJM Court in Nilagiri.
His bail petition was rejected, and he was remanded to judicial custody.
The anti-poaching operation was carried out by officials of the Kuldiha Wildlife Range, Panchalingeswar Wildlife Section, and forest guards from the Kuldiha and Tenda wildlife beats.
Forest authorities reiterated their commitment to protecting wildlife and warned that strict action would continue against those involved in illegal hunting activities within protected forest areas.
