3 bombs seized from tiger poacher disposed of

Nagpur: Two days after Amravati principal district judge suspended the sentence of notorious tiger poacher Bhajan Hotel Dhurve, three bombs seized from his accomplice Shiri Chouhan were disposed of in the city on Thursday. The three explosive devices, usually used to poach wild animals, were seized from Shiri at his hideout in Ugwa near Akola. Shiri, who was dramatically arrested after a hot chase, was involved in poaching of a tiger at Dhakna in Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR). The seizure of bombs from poachers showed how ruthless they are and the gravity of the situation in forests. “The bombs used to kill wild animals could harm humans too,” said officials. Along with Bhajan, Shiri was also sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment on January 29, 2016, by Amravati additional CJM SB Mane. However, after hearing Bhajan’s application, principal district judge PK Chavan suspended his sentence. Chavan also granted 15 days to the forest officials to appeal in the high court. Three years after they were seized, the explosives were disposed of at Seminary Hills Nursery by the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), Nagpur. Sources said the delay of three years was due to several technicalities involved. When the bombs were seized, opinion of Amravati SP was sought, but he asked forest officials to move the court. The court dismissed the forest department request to dispose off the bombs. When CBI was handed over tiger poaching probe, these bombs were handed over to it. CBI then moved the Amravati CJM, which granted permission to dispose of the bombs. Later, help from Nagpur commissioner of police was sought. Finally, the BDDS ream disposed of the bombs. “The bombs were made of gun powder, wheat flour, and meat. The material collected after disposing the bombs will be sent to regional forensic lab for testing. A separate case will be filed against Shiri under Explosives Act,” said forest officials. “The intensity of the bombs was so severe that the explosion when they was exploded was felt even 50-60 feet away. In 2004, one of the arrested tiger poacher’s father had committed suicide with the help of this bomb. One of the reasons for forest fires is said to be these handmade bombs,” said officials involved in probing poaching cases.