A poacher was apprehended while his accomplice managed to escape during a violent encounter with forest guards in the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Balasore district, Odisha, on Sunday night.
The arrested individual has been identified as Madha Singh from the Jampada area. His uncle, also involved in poaching, fled the scene during the scuffle.
According to reports, a four-member team comprising Forest Guards and the Green Force had been tracking the poachers since 3 pm following a tip-off. The teams caught up with the suspects late at night in the Gudikhania area under the Santaragadia Forest Beat.
The poachers launched a surprise attack armed with guns, resulting in a tense confrontation. Forest guards managed to overpower and arrest Madha Singh. They seized a gun, torch, knife, ammunition, and two bags containing hunting equipment.
Unfortunately, one of the forest guards sustained critical injuries during the altercation. Further investigations into the poaching incident are underway.
