Three rhino poachers killed in Kaziranga

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

BOKAKHAT, April 29: Three rhino poachers were killed last night in an encounter with forest guards in the Kaziranga tiol Park.

The incident took place at Agaratali range of the tiol park.

A forest official said they were tipped off about a gang of five poachers entering through lani area of Agaratali range of the park and immediately forest guards were alerted.

“As soon as we got the information, the forest guards launched an operation in search of the poachers.  The group of poachers were hiding out near the lani and Duramari forest camps. When the forest guards reached the spot, there was an exchange of fire in which three poachers were killed, while two others maged to escape,” added the forest official.

Forest guards have recovered two .303 rifles, one silencer, ten rounds of live ammunition, four rounds of blank cartridges, a torch light and a bag containing fruits and sugar from the spot.   

Poachers have so far killed nine rhinos in the State this year, including eight in Kaziranga tiol Park.

The State Forest Department continues to face flak from several quarters because of frequent poaching cases in the Unesco World Heritage Park. A recent census report has revealed that Kaziranga has 2,401 rhinos presently.