In a significant anti-poaching operation, two poachers were arrested with two homemade rifles while attempting to intrude into the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam. The joint operation, carried out by forest guards and police on Wednesday night, successfully foiled the intrusion bid that threatened the park's zero-poaching record, maintained for the last two and a half years.
Operation Details
Acting on intelligence inputs, a joint anti-rhino poaching operation was conducted in the Agaratoli Range area. The operation involved forest officials including the DFO of Eastern Assam Wildlife Division and the range officer, along with Golaghat police led by ASP (Crime) Golaghat, assisted by CDSP Bokakhat and staff. The coordinated effort led to the recovery of two handmade rifles and a motorcycle. The poachers were arrested while they were planning to enter the park.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Jintu Orang (40) from No. 2 Geleki village in Golaghat district and Sarbang Ranghang (31) from Dolamara Langmang Ranghang village in neighboring Karbi Anglong district.
Poachers Exploited Weather Conditions
According to a police officer, the poaching attempt occurred during rainy weather. The officer explained that during the rainy season, vegetation grows thicker, making it difficult for forest staff to patrol certain locations. The poachers were trying to take advantage of this situation to sneak into the park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kaziranga National Park achieved zero rhino poaching in 2025, and this operation helped maintain that record.
KNPTR director Sonali Ghosh praised the coordination between police and forest department officers, particularly through the anti-poaching task force on the ground. She stated, 'We are constantly on vigil. The coordination and information exchange between police and the forest department's young officers has resulted in this success.'
The operation highlights the ongoing efforts to protect the park's wildlife, especially the greater one-horned rhinoceros, from poaching threats.
