Rourkela: Five Arrested for Illegal Wild Boar Hunting, Forest Department Seizes Meat and Weapons

Rourkela forest officials have arrested five individuals for illegal wild boar hunting near Hatibandha forest in Kansar village during the Maha Shivaratri period.

Acting on a tip‑off, a raid was conducted at one of the accused’s residences, leading to the seizure of wild boar meat, animal skin, hunting tools, and weapons.

The arrested men have been identified as Fateh Singh, Pankaj Kumar Singh, Bitan Singh, Dukhbandhu Singh, and Pradeep Singh.

They were produced before the court under various provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act.

DFO Yashobant Sethi stated that strict measures are being taken against wildlife crimes, and investigations are underway to identify more culprits.

The Forest Department has urged locals to report suspicious activities to help preserve biodiversity.

This case highlights Odisha’s intensified crackdown on poaching and illegal wildlife trade, reinforcing the state’s commitment to protecting ecological balance.