Baripada: Authorities in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district have seized over 30 kg of ivory and apprehended 10 individuals believed to be part of a poaching and smuggling ring operating within the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR).
The operation, carried out by a multi-agency squad comprising the Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department, Similipal Tiger Protection Force (STPF), Joint Task Force (JTF), and various wildlife divisions, resulted in a series of arrests and seizures over the past week.
The breakthrough occurred with the arrest of four individuals found in possession of 18 kg of ivory in Jashipur. Subsequent interrogation led authorities to a middleman operating in Puri, whose apprehension by the JTF and Puri wildlife division facilitated further leads. This collaborative effort culminated in another seizure of 12.9 kg of ivory in Karanjia, orchestrated through a decoy operation. Five additional suspects were subsequently apprehended from the bordering areas of STR.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the seized tusks were extracted from elephants poached within the Similipal Tiger Reserve over the past year, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts and anti-poaching measures within the reserve.
The 10 arrested individuals have been identified as Ghasiram Jerai (45), Anand Kerai (55), Shibsankar Banara (55), Chau Alda (35), Dabara Badra (45), Berga Badra (21), Papulu Badra (22), Sanatan Badra (24), Markand Ho (23), and Narendra Banara (53). While three of them hail from Khejuri village within Similipal, one is from Bisoi, and six are from the Jashipur area.
Authorities also recovered bows and arrows from the suspects, indicating their use of organic poison for hunting wild animals. Susanta Nanda, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), emphasized the severity of the situation, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to combat wildlife crime and protect vulnerable species within Odisha’s natural habitats.
