GUWAHATI: In a decisive operation against wildlife poaching, a combined team from the Special Task Force (STF) Assam and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) of Assam embarked on a mission following credible intelligence inputs related to poaching activities in the Kaziranga area. The operation team, originating from Guwahati, proceeded to Kaliabor in the Nagaon district on August 22, with the aim of apprehending the culprits involved in the illegal trade of wildlife parts.
Working collaboratively, the STF and WCCB units executed search operations across multiple locations falling under the jurisdiction of Jakhalabandha Police Station and Kaliabar Police Station in Nagaon district. This intensive effort culminated in the arrest of five poachers and the confiscation of a significant cache of contraband wildlife items.
The arrested individuals have been identified as follows Md. Gafar Quresy (24 years), Md. Okil Quresy (60 years), Md. Safiqul Islam (39 years) - all from Jakhalabandha, Ujjal Bharali (20 years) from Rowta and Aditya Sarma (23 years) from Khanapara, Guwahati.
During the meticulously executed operation, law enforcement officers successfully recovered and seized 12 pieces of ivory, 2 tiger canines, 15 rhino hooves, 1 deer antler, 1.031 kg of pangolin scales and 5 mobile phones from the possession of the apprehended individuals.
Subsequent to the operation, the detained poachers and the seized items were handed over by the STF team to the Jakhalabandha Police Station. Legal proceedings against the perpetrators have been initiated, and a case has been registered under Jakhalabandha Police Station, encompassing Sections 9, 39, 44, 48(A), 49(B), and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.