JAISALMER: The Forest Department has apprehended the alleged mastermind behind multiple incidents of poaching involving protected “Schedule I” Chinkara deer in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district. The suspect, identified as Kishannath, son of Roomalnath Jogi, a resident of Biliya village in Pokaran, was taken into custody by a specialized team operating under the Chhayan Forest Range.
Details of the Poaching Cases
The accused is believed to have been involved in the hunting of more than a dozen Chinkara deer within the Army’s restricted Field Firing Range area of Pokaran in March 2026, as well as another poaching incident reported in February 2024. To date, seven accused poachers have been arrested in connection with these cases, including three individuals apprehended recently who are currently in judicial custody.
Initial Investigation and Arrests
Deputy Conservator of Forests Kumar Shubham stated that on March 9, 2026, the Forest Department received intelligence from an informant regarding Chinkara poaching near Mawa village inside the Army-restricted Field Firing Range under Chhayan Range. Acting on this tip, the Forest Department team recovered remains of seven different dead Chinkaras from the location and registered a case under Sections 9 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Given the gravity of the offense, a special investigation team was formed under the guidance of Chief Conservator of Forests, Jodhpur, Anoop K.R., and Conservator of Forests, Jaisalmer, Kumar Shubham. The team was led by ACF Pokaran Chandrashekhar Kaushik and Regional Forest Officer Laxman Swami of Chhayan Range.
Through intensive investigation and interrogation in the area, the team arrested three accused poachers on April 10, 2026: Nararam Bhil of Bhakhri village, Mohanram Bhil of Pokaran, and Munaram Bhil of Ramdevra. All three remain in judicial custody.
Subsequently, Deepa Ram Bhil of Pokaran, accused of purchasing Chinkara meat from poachers and distributing it further, was arrested on April 30, 2026. Another individual involved in meat supply, Dalaram Bhil of Pokaran, was taken into custody on May 6, 2026.
During the ongoing investigation, Rahul alias Rawalram Bhil of Ramdevra was also arrested in connection with the February 2024 Chinkara poaching case in the Pokaran Field Firing Range area.
Arrest of the Mastermind
Kumar Shubham further revealed that the special Forest Department team arrested the main accused and alleged mastermind Kishannath Jogi on Wednesday. Based on his disclosures, officials recovered the gun, motorcycle, knife, torch, and rope allegedly used in the poaching activities.
The accused also guided the team to various locations where remains of nine Chinkaras purportedly hunted by him were recovered, including skulls, horns, hides, and bones.
The investigation continues under departmental custody, while the Forest Department’s special team is conducting raids to trace other absconding accused involved in the poaching racket.
Forest officials including Forester Jhamku, Assistant Forester Jagdish Mehdhu, Forest Guards Ramkishore Jakhad, Ashok Ratnu, Kavita Swami, Moolsingh Jodha, Mohammad Ramzan, and other personnel played a crucial role in the investigation and arrests.
