Late-Night Patrol Leads to Dramatic Chase and Arrests
In a significant crackdown on suspected wildlife crime, officials from the Chandgad forest department in Kolhapur successfully apprehended three individuals believed to be part of an eleven-member poaching gang. The operation unfolded near the Ghataprabha Dam at Sadegudawale village, culminating in a high-speed chase and the recovery of incriminating evidence.
Operation Details: The Chase and Capture
According to Range Forest Officer Tushar Gaikwad, the incident began during a late-night patrol on Sunday. The forest team spotted two suspicious vehicles—a white car and a brown car—in the dam area. Upon attempting to stop the white vehicle for inspection, both cars sped away, triggering a pursuit.
The forest team chased the vehicles for approximately 2 kilometers, from Sadegudawale village to the Belgavi-Vengurla road. During the chase, the white car veered into farmland, where officials managed to corner and nab three of its occupants. However, leveraging the cover of darkness, one suspect from the white car escaped into a nearby sugarcane field, reportedly carrying a firearm.
In response, the forest department mobilized three separate teams to track down the eight absconding suspects who fled the scene. The search operation highlights the challenges faced by authorities in tackling such crimes in difficult terrain.
Evidence Seized and Accused Identified
A thorough inspection of the abandoned white car yielded substantial evidence. The forest department seized several items, including:
- An empty gun case
- Four live cartridges
- A searchlight
- Wire and a backpack
- The vehicle itself
Additionally, officials confiscated a total sum of Rs 5,21,115 in cash from the car. The three arrested individuals have been identified as Tukaram Amruskar, Riyaz Jamadar, and Amin Mujawar.
The accused were formally arrested and produced in court on Tuesday. The court has remanded them in forest custody until December 19, allowing investigators further time for interrogation and to unravel the gang's activities.
Ongoing Efforts and Implications
This incident underscores the persistent threat of poaching in the region and the vigilant efforts of the forest department to combat it. The recovery of ammunition and equipment suggests planned illegal activity, potentially targeting local wildlife. The department's swift nighttime action prevented a possible poaching event and led to a significant bust.
The search for the remaining eight suspects continues. This case serves as a stern warning to those involved in wildlife crimes and reaffirms the commitment of the Kolhapur forest authorities to protect the region's natural heritage.
