Anti-poaching team nabs poachers, seizes wildlife parts

RAIPUR: A joint team of the Forest Department conducted a raid on April 3, 2025, at room number 1192 in the forest area of Gajimuda range, under the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, targeting illegal hunting of wildlife. The team seized items used in the crime, including meat, nets, traps, and other materials, after issuing search warrants for the residences of the accused. The confiscated items included barking deer meat, pangolin scales, and meat from unidentified wild animals. Authorities noted that the hunting of wild animals is affecting meat-eating wildlife populations in the area. Two individuals involved in the illegal hunting were arrested on April 4, 2025. The accused were identified as Roshan Lal, 50 years old, and Arjun Singh, 49 years old, both residents of Gariba village in Mainpur tehsil in Gariaband district. Following the operation, a wildlife offense was registered under Sections 9, 27(1), 29, 31, 39, 49, 50, 51, and 52 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The accused were presented before the court on April 5, 2025. On April 4, 2025, Roshan Lal was taken to the crime scene, where officials recreated the sequence of events. The authorities also confiscated the trap and axe used in the crime. Efforts are ongoing to locate other individuals involved in the wildlife offense.