Baripada: A suspected poacher was arrested in the Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary after an alert from an AI-enabled Trailguard camera triggered a swift late-night operation by forest officials.
According to an official press note issued by the Similipal South Wildlife Division, the incident occurred at about 1:35 am March 28, when staff of Podadiha wildlife range received a photo alert indicating suspicious movement inside the forest.
Acting swiftly, a special team rushed to the spot, took up concealed positions and kept the area under surveillance. The team apprehended one suspect who attempted to flee.
The accused has been identified as Dasarath Singh, 50, of J.S. Jamdiha village under Kaptipada police limits in Mayurbhanj district.
During the search, officials seized a single-barrel muzzle-loading (SBML) handmade gun, 155 grams of black explosive stored in a plastic container and 25 grams of white explosive in a plastic bottle.
Other materials recovered included 220 cycle balls, 10 cotter pins, six fish net balls and two matchboxes, all suspected to be used for poaching.
According to the press note, prima facie, the accused violated provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 — specifically Sections 9, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 39 and 52 — and is punishable under Section 51 of the Act, as amended up to 2022.
The accused was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court in Baripada and forwarded for judicial remand.
Forest officials said further investigation is underway to ascertain the involvement of other members in the poaching network.
Samrat Gouda, Deputy Director of Similipal South Wildlife Division, confirmed that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend accomplices.