In a significant crackdown on wildlife crime, forest officials in Kendrapada district seized 10 kilograms of spotted deer meat and apprehended two poachers on Saturday morning. The operation took place at Sasanapeta Protected Reserve Forest, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary within Bhitarkanika National Park.
Details of the Seizure and Arrests
Acting on a specific tip-off, forest personnel conducted a search at the residence of a suspected poacher. During the raid, they recovered 10 kg of spotted deer meat, a sharp weapon, and four animal traps. The arrested individuals were identified as Uttam Kamila (48) and his nephew Ramakrushna Kamila (30). Both are residents of the local area.
Kapilendra Pradhan, the Forest Range Officer of Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, confirmed the development. He stated that the accused were booked under sections 9, 27, 29, and 35 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. During interrogation, the duo confessed to killing a spotted deer in the forest on Friday night after trapping it. They were planning to sell the venison at a nearby market when the authorities intervened.
Legal Proceedings
On Saturday, the two accused were produced before a court in Kendrapada. The court rejected their bail application and remanded them to judicial custody. The forest officer added that such legal actions serve as a deterrent against wildlife crimes in the region.
Modus Operandi and Environmental Concerns
Environmentalist Hemant Rout, secretary of the Gahirmatha Marine Turtle and Mangrove Conservation Society of Rajnagar, shed light on the poaching patterns. He explained that poachers often trap wild boars and spotted deer by spreading nylon ropes in the mangrove forest and adjacent areas. Some even use trained dogs to kill the animals. Rout highlighted that the large population of deer and wild boars faces a scarcity of fodder and water inside the park during the summer months. Consequently, these animals stray into nearby village fields and water bodies to quench their thirst, making them easy targets for poachers.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in wildlife conservation within the Bhitarkanika ecosystem. Forest officials have intensified patrols and surveillance to curb such illegal activities and protect the region's biodiversity.
