Teen Poacher Fatally Shot in Odisha Forest During Illegal Hunting Expedition
In a tragic incident highlighting the dangers of illegal wildlife activities, a 16-year-old poacher was shot dead by another hunter in the Tikabali forest of Kandhamal district, Odisha, on Saturday night. The victim, identified as Bibhuti Kahara, succumbed to a gunshot wound to the right eye, with police suspecting the shooting occurred during an attempt to hunt wild animals using a country-made firearm.
Discovery and Police Investigation
The body was discovered by nearby villagers on Sunday morning, prompting an immediate response from local authorities. According to Samir Kumar Behera, the inspector-in-charge of Tikabali police station, the deceased was part of a trio that ventured into the forest around 9 pm on Saturday. The group, armed with a country-made gun, aimed to hunt animals such as rabbits, wild boars, or Indian hares for bush meat.
Police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the two other poachers, who are believed to be adults and fled the scene after the shooting. Initial reports suggest the trio were acquaintances, with information from the victim's family indicating they had planned the hunting trip together.
Circumstances of the Shooting
While the post-mortem report is pending, preliminary findings indicate that Kahara died instantly from the gunshot. Authorities are investigating whether the firing was accidental or intentional. "Whether it was an accidental firing or a targeted one, arrest and interrogation of the accused will reveal," stated a police officer involved in the case.
The incident underscores the risks associated with illegal poaching activities, which not only threaten wildlife but also pose significant dangers to human lives. Police are urging the public to report any information that could aid in capturing the suspects, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to curb such unlawful practices in forested areas.
