In a significant breakthrough for wildlife conservation, a woman accused of involvement in a 2013 tiger poaching case has been apprehended after remaining at large for twelve years. The arrest marks the culmination of a persistent, multi-agency manhunt spanning several states.
Decade-Long Manhunt Ends in Arrest
A coordinated team comprising officials from the Melghat Tiger Reserve, the Akot Wildlife Division, and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) successfully arrested the fugitive. The accused, identified as Gajendribai alias Sheetlabai Teralin Pardhi, was finally located and taken into custody from the Mandla district in Madhya Pradesh.
Forest authorities revealed that tracking her down had been a major operational hurdle for over a decade. Her strategy of frequent movement across different states made her elusive and complicated investigative efforts. Following her arrest, a local court has remanded her to judicial custody until December 26.
Part of a Larger Wildlife Trafficking Network
This arrest is not an isolated incident but is connected to a wider organised network involved in poaching and illegal wildlife trade. The 2013 case has seen convictions before. Four other individuals linked to the same crime – Ranjit Singh Bawaria and Adin Singh alias Kalla Bawaria from Punjab, and Mamru and Arkas from Madhya Pradesh – were previously sentenced. Each received three years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹10,000.
Coordinated Effort Behind the Operation
The successful operation was executed under the guidance of senior forest officials including Adarsh Reddy (IFS), Conservator of Forests and Field Director of Melghat Tiger Reserve; Rahul Singh Tolia (IFS), Deputy Conservator of Forests, Akot Wildlife Division; and Mayur Bhailume, Divisional Forest Officer of Melghat Tiger Reserve.
The action on the ground was led by Assistant Conservator of Forests and Investigating Officer Ganesh Tekale. He was supported by a dedicated team from the Wildlife Crime Control Cell and Akot Wildlife Division staff, whose combined efforts made the arrest possible.
Commenting on the operation, ACF Ganesh Tekale sent a strong message, stating, "Action against wildlife offenders will continue in a coordinated and uncompromising manner." This arrest reinforces the commitment of Indian forest and wildlife crime agencies to pursue justice, no matter how long it takes.
