Tezpur: Three suspected poachers were apprehended from Assam's Lakhimpur district on Sunday, officials confirmed. The accused were allegedly planning to poach rhinos in the Kaziranga National Park (KNP), according to authorities.
Joint Operation Leads to Arrests
KNP director Sonali Ghosh stated that the arrests were made in Narayanpur during a joint operation by forest officials from the Eastern Range, Gamiri, and the Crime Investigation Range of the Biswanath Wildlife Division. The operation was based on intelligence inputs and linked to a wildlife offence case registered in March.
“The accused were planning rhino poaching in the sixth addition area of the national park,” Ghosh said.
Recovery of Firearm Parts
During the operation, forest teams also recovered parts of a country-made firearm, including a rifle bolt and butt without a magazine, from Ukhal Chuk in Majuli district, she added.
The three accused are residents of Majuli, Lakhimpur, and Biswanath districts. Forest authorities suspect the involvement of a larger poaching network.
