Five suspected poachers were arrested in Assam’s Biswanath district during a coordinated operation targeting wildlife crimes in the fringe areas of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. The operation, carried out by teams from the Eastern Range, Gamari, and the Crime Investigation Range, Panibharal under the Biswanath Wildlife Division, led to the seizure of arms and ammunition intended for rhino poaching.
Officials said the accused were produced before the court following their arrest. A rifle and live ammunition were recovered from their possession, with preliminary investigations indicating that the weapon had been sourced from a neighbouring state. Authorities believe the firearm was meant to be used for poaching activities inside Kaziranga, prompting intensified scrutiny of cross-border illegal trafficking of arms.
According to officials, seven individuals were involved in the poaching attempt, and one more person has been detained for interrogation as part of the ongoing investigation. The arrests form part of a broader crackdown on wildlife crimes in the region.
The forest department reported that 12 people have been arrested over the past 10 days in connection with multiple poaching attempts, reflecting increased vigilance and coordinated efforts to protect Kaziranga’s wildlife.
