
GUWAHATI: In a significant late-night operation, the Khatangpani forest department, under the leadership of forest officer Shravan Saikia, apprehended a notorious poacher in Kariyajan, Bordumsa. Two elephant teeth—which had been buried beneath the ground—were recovered during the operation.
The individual taken into custody has been identified as Pascal Bengra, a resident of the Kariyajan Maltiri slum in Bordumsa. Forest officials have confirmed that Bengra had been under close scrutiny due to his long-standing involvement in poaching activities.
The recovered elephant teeth, unearthed during the operation, is believed to have originated from a wild elephant that fell victim to poachers. The discovery provides striking proof of the ongoing threat to the region’s wildlife.
This arrest is a direct result of the forest department’s constant efforts against wildlife crimes within the area. Authorities have escalated their surveillance and enforcement measures in an effort to prevent future poaching incidents.
Pascal Bengra remains in custody as officials continue their investigation to identify any associates involved in these illegal activities. The operation underscores the critical need for vigilant protection of Assam’s vulnerable wildlife populations.
Similarly, the Assam Forest Department seized two elephant tusks and arrested a suspect involved in the illegal wildlife trade in Udalguri district earlier in February.
The operation was spearheaded by Sheshidhar Reddy, Deputy Field Director of the Manas Tiger Project. The arrested individual had been identified as Sadhin Narzary, aged 54, a resident of Bongrun village in Udalguri.
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