AI cameras help STPF, forest staff arrest 39 poachers in Similipal

Bhubaneswar: At least 39 armed poachers were arrested by the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) personnel in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) on Thursday night, following AI camera surveillance. Forest officials said the poachers planned to stay inside Similipal for days and hunt animals.

“A group of armed poachers entered Similipal on Wednesday night. But before they could target or hunt any animal, they were intercepted after AI-enabled cameras detected their movements and triggered real-time alerts,” said Similipal field director Prakash Gogineni.


The alerts prompted rapid mobilisation of the STPF and forest staff. A combing operation was launched in Similipal’s South division which continued for nearly 24 hours. Three armed STPF personnel and staff from three forest ranges joined in the operation. The poachers’ group was tracked and contained through coordinated ground deployment based on live inputs.

By the end of the operation, 39 poachers surrendered to the forest team, handing over 9 guns, a large quantity of gunpowder, more than 20 bows and arrows, and other weapons. They were then arrested.

The poachers are residents of Ambikadeipur, Mahalisahi, Lukuida, Matakmatla, Jitusahi, Khaladi and Langadi villages under Udala police station limits.

Wildlife officials said the operation prevented an imminent poaching attempt, as Similipal’s upgraded surveillance and response system worked efficiently. “Real-time detection, active intelligence inputs and timely action led to voluntary surrender of the poachers,” Gogineni said, adding that coordinated counter-strategy and continuous monitoring ensured no wildlife was harmed.

A case was registered under Jenabil wildlife range, and further investigation is underway. An FIR will be lodged, including charges under the Arms Act, in addition to wildlife protection provisions. Wildlife authorities have seized over 1,000 country-made guns in Similipal over the past two years, thwarting multiple poaching attempts in the period.