Odishatv Bureau
Baripada: The arrest of a poacher from Bengal, in possession of two single barrel guns, indicated presence of an inter-state gang in Pithabata forest range under Similipal Sanctuary.

During raids in Bholagadia village under the foothills of Similipal three days ago, a poacher possessing two single barrel gun was arrested while four others managed to slip away.

The arrested poacher was identified as Jhula Hansda (52) of Basia under Gopibalavpur police limits in West Bengal. The gun along with catridge was seized from the poacher during the raid, Ranjan Kumar Mohanty, Range Officer of Pithabata said.

Acting on a tip off, forest personnel conducted a raid accompanied by armed police reserve force, he said. While the raids were continuing, more than 200 tribal people including women gheraoed the forest personnel and police for more than two hours demanding release of the arrested poacher.

However, the Police brought the situation under control.

The arrest indicates the presence of a number of inter-state poachers inside Similipal Sanctuary.

Security lapses in Similipal is on the rise since the agitational activities taken up by forest employees, sources said.

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