GUWAHATI: Forest officials arrested three alleged wildlife offenders in two separate operations at Raimona National Park, including an absconding accused wanted in a spotted deer hunting case and two suspected poachers allegedly involved in illegal wildlife activities.
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In the first operation, the Janagaon Beat Team under the Sanfan Range apprehended Ramal Goyary during routine patrolling between Compartment Nos. 6 and 7 of the national park at around 1 PM on Sunday, July 12.
According to the Forest Department, Goyary, a resident of Bwrimakha FRA Village under Kachugaon Police Station in Kokrajhar district, had allegedly entered the park's core area along with a few others to fish, an activity prohibited inside the protected area. While the others managed to flee into the forest, Goyary was apprehended by the patrol team.
During interrogation, officials found that Goyary was an absconding accused in a wildlife offence case registered as O.R. No. SF/01 of 2024, dated July 15, 2024, in connection with the illegal hunting of a spotted deer inside Raimona National Park. Forest officials said efforts are underway to identify and trace the other individuals who escaped during the operation.
In a separate anti-poaching operation, the Central Range of Raimona National Park, in coordination with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), arrested two suspected poachers following weeks of surveillance based on intelligence inputs.
Forest officials said they had received credible information around 20–21 days ago regarding the movement of five to six suspected wildlife offenders in the Right No. 6/7 area of the national park. Acting on the inputs, officials intensified surveillance, gathered intelligence and planned a joint follow-up operation, which resulted in the arrests.
The accused were identified as Sukur Mushahary (35), and Parbeswar Narzary. Both are residents of Thakampur (Habrubil) village under Kachugaon Police Station in Kokrajhar district.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the duo was allegedly involved in the poaching of endangered wildlife species from the ecologically sensitive landscape of Raimona National Park. Authorities said further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend other individuals believed to be part of the suspected poaching network.
The Forest Department said it remains committed to protecting the biodiversity of Raimona National Park and warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone involved in poaching, illegal fishing or unauthorised entry into protected forest areas.