As per reports, the duo allegedly contaminated the water lilies and their leaves in the Chilika Lake by sprinkling floridin poison on them. As a result, the birds died after coming in contact with the poisonous flowers.
“They used to sprinkle the poison on the flowers and its leaves in the evening. As a result, the birds used to die when they came in contact with the contaminated flowers as they rested on them. Then the poachers would collect the birds the next morning,” said Sarat Chandra Behera, Ranger of Wild life Department of Tangi area said.
“We used to kill the birds by sprinkling poison in the water lilies all over the lake,” accused Manas Harichandan said.
Earlier, the Wildlife Department had arrested some poachers for alleged bird poaching in the area.
Besides, the use of poisons in the lake has raised eyebrows as it may harm the aquatic life.