A massive crackdown is underway against poachers and illegal units engaged in the manufacturing of weapons along the fringe areas of Similipal Tiger Reserve.
Mahuldiha Police on Monday busted an illegal gun manufacturing unit and arrested one person in this connection. One country-made gun, 4 steel barrels, and other articles were seized following a raid.
In another raid by the forest department, 110 scales of pangolin were seized at Patrapoda village.
Mayurbhanj SP, B. Gangadhar said that a massive drive will be launched shortly and we appeal poachers and those involved in illegal gun manufacturing to surrender before July 30, or else stern action will be taken against them.
“Our focus will be on checking manufacturing units and de-weaponisation. This will be done based on the intelligence input and legal action will be taken,” said Gangadhar.
Gangadhar further said that we urge people and poachers in fringe areas if they have weapons or are involved in manufacturing units to voluntarily surrender.