As many as three poachers including a former sarpanch were arrested on Friday in connection with the murder of a forest guard in Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district recently.
The poachers were held during a joint operation by Baripada police and Forest Department officials.
As many as 10 country guns and other arms were seized from their possession during the raid.
It has been found that former sarpanch Buddhadeb Singh was involved in the crime. The other two poachers have been identified as Sukalal Marndi and Dugul Singh.
Notably, 35-year-old forest guard Bimal Kumar Jena was shot dead by a group of poachers on Monday. Bimal was on patrolling duty in the bordering areas of Similipal Tiger Reserve when he came across a group of poachers. As per sources, he was seizing their weapons when one poacher shot him in the chest. The forest guard died due to gunshot injury on the spot.
As many as 13 persons were suspected to have their involvement in the murder case.
As per police sources, the joint combing operation is going on and it will continue until all the poachers involved in the murder case are arrested.