7th rhino killed in KNP, ranger suspended

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, February 27: A ranger officer was today placed under suspension after poachers killed yet another rhino in Kaziranga. This is the seventh rhino killed in the tiol park this year.  The adult male rhino was killed this morning at Goitapu, a chapori on the Brahmaputra, in the Sixth Addition of park near Gohpur. Forest guards later found empty cartridges and sharp weapons from the site. The poachers took away the horn and some parts of the rhino, including its ils and portions of flesh.

Forest minister Atuwa Munda who reviewed the situation with senior district and forest officials said the ranger of the area, Puspadhar Buragohain, has been placed under suspension.

“We have also ordered an inquiry to be conducted by the Conservator of Forest, as to how the incident took place,” Munda said. The minister had earlier warned that forest officials will be held accountable for poaching incidents in their areas.